Six tactics scammers use most often against retirees, and the single question that helps catch each one.
A caller or email claims to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare, warning of a suspended account, unpaid fine, or benefit issue that must be resolved immediately.
Ask yourself: would a real government agency demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency? It never does.
A call claiming to be a grandchild or other relative in urgent trouble — an accident, arrest, or stranded trip — asking for money to be sent right away, and often asking you to keep it secret.
Ask yourself: have I confirmed this by calling the relative directly, on a number I already had?
An online relationship, sometimes lasting months, that builds real trust before the other person asks for money — often for a medical emergency, travel costs, or a "sure thing" investment.
Ask yourself: have we ever spoken on a video call, and has this person ever asked me for money?
An investment opportunity, often introduced through a seminar or a warm personal referral, promising unusually high returns with little or no risk.
Ask yourself: is this return significantly higher than anything else on the market, with no clear explanation why?
A pop-up, email, or phone call claiming your computer has a virus, asking you to call a number or install remote-access software so a "technician" can fix it.
Ask yourself: did I contact this company first, or did they contact me?
A notice that you've won a prize or lottery you don't remember entering, but must pay a fee or taxes upfront to receive it.
Ask yourself: would a real prize ever require me to pay money first to collect it?
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