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Stay Safe from Scams in Your Golden Age

  • Writer: Tracy Padgett
    Tracy Padgett
  • Mar 24
  • 2 min read
Seniors protect from scams

At Golden Age Services, we care deeply about the well-being of our senior community in Utah. One growing concern is the rise of scams targeting older adults. Scammers often use the internet, phone calls, text messages, and even mail to steal personal information and money. The good news? You can protect yourself by staying informed and knowing the warning signs.



Common Types of Scams & How to Avoid Them


Internet & Email Scams

  • Phishing Emails: Look out for emails that ask for personal information or contain urgent messages claiming you owe money.

  • Fake Shopping Websites: Always verify a website before entering payment information.

  • Tech Support Scams: No legitimate company will contact you out of the blue claiming your computer has a virus.


How to Stay Safe:

✔ Don’t click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.

✔ Verify website URLs before making purchases.

✔ If in doubt, contact a trusted friend or family member.



Phone Call Scams

  • Grandparent Scam: A scammer pretends to be a relative needing urgent money.

  • IRS or Social Security Scams: The government will never call you demanding payment over the phone.

  • Medicare Scams: Scammers may ask for your Medicare number to steal benefits.


How to Stay Safe:

✔ Never give personal or financial information over the phone.

✔ Hang up and call the official number of the agency or person to verify.

✔ Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry (www.donotcall.gov).



Text Message Scams

  • Fake Delivery Notices: Scammers send texts pretending to be from shipping companies.

  • Bank Fraud Alerts: Fake messages claim your account has been compromised.


How to Stay Safe:

✔ Never click on links in text messages from unknown numbers.

✔ Contact your bank or shipping company directly to verify.



Mail Scams

  • Fake Sweepstakes or Lotteries: If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win.

  • Charity Scams: Scammers pose as charities to steal donations.


How to Stay Safe:

✔ Never send money to claim a prize.

✔ Research charities before donating (www.charitynavigator.org).

✔ Shred sensitive mail before disposing of it.



General Tips for Scam Prevention


  • Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is.

  • Slow Down: Scammers pressure victims to act quickly. Take your time.

  • Talk to Someone You Trust: Run suspicious messages or calls by a family member or friend.

  • Use Strong Passwords: Keep your online accounts safe with unique passwords.

  • Monitor Financial Statements: Check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.

 

Your safety matters to us! Stay informed, stay cautious, and spread awareness to protect yourself and others.


Helpful Resources



If you believe you’ve been scammed, report it immediately to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov ) or Utah’s Consumer Protection Division.




Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Golden Age Services is not responsible for any decisions made based on this information. If you require legal assistance, please consult a qualified professional.

 
 
 
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