Before we get too far into good weather and the feeling that all is well, let’s remember that those criminals determined to make a living off trusting seniors are not on vacation! Let’s pay attention to the following from the Maine Attorney General’s website – listed under “Common Consumer Scams.” Unfortunately, the majority of those scammed are senior citizens.

Credit Card Interest Rate Scam

This scam usually begins with an automated phone call. (We call these robo-calls.) A message will state that the call is coming from a company with a name like “card services,” “card holder services” or “credit card services.” You’ll be told that you can lower your interest rate. The caller then requests your credit card number, Social Security number or other personal information. Never give out your credit card or bank account information based on an automated phone call. (I haven’t had a credit card for years, yet I still get at least three calls a week offering to lower my interest rate!)

Medicare scam

Many Maine seniors have received phone calls claiming to be from Medicare or from the “health office.” The callers ask for the Mainer by name and appear to be offering seniors some sort of supplemental health insurance or prescription coverage. Never give any personal information to anyone over the phone. Consumers with questions about Medicare can get more information from the Medicare offices at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Grandparent scam

An increasingly common scam involves a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild. The scammer will claim that there has been a mishap and money is needed immediately. Never wire money or give out bank account information based on a telephone call.

Fake check scams

Fake check scams often originate through email. Whatever the set-up, the bottom line is if someone you don’t know sends you a check but wants you to wire money back, it’s a scam. Be skeptical. There is no legitimate reason for you to wire money back to someone who has paid with a check. If you think you are a victim of a scam you should contact the Federal Trade Commision at 1-877-FTC-HELP; contact your local post office or contact the Maine Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-436-2131.

Lottery/sweepstakes

You receive a letter in the mail saying you have won thousands of dollars in a lottery or sweepstakes. They send you a check to cover taxes or some other bogus fee. You deposit the check in your bank account and then wire the required fee, probably to Canada. Your bank contacts you days later to alert you that the check is fraudulent and you now have to pay the bank back.

Internet phishing

Phishing is a term that means getting your personal information by deception and using the information to steal your identity. A common phishing scheme comes through your email and disguises itself as a bank that needs to update your personal information. No matter how legitimate the message looks, never send personal information over the Internet unless you initiate the contact.

We seniors have a lot of advice for younger folks, but as a group, it is senior citizens who are the prime targets – and victims – of scammers!

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.