Seniors, unfortunately, often fall victim to frauds and financial extortions. The most popular methods of fraudulent activity are the so-called methods for a granddaughter and a policeman. They have many variants, and people who simply try to rob the elderly - considerable manipulative skills, while maintaining apparent credibility. What are these methods of operation and how to effectively protect against them? What to do when there is a suspicion that we are dealing with them? About it below.
Contents:
- Granddaughter method - what is it?
- How to protect yourself from the granddaughter method?
- Policeman method - what does it look like?
- How to protect yourself against the policeman method?
- Other methods used by scammers
- Which data should never be disclosed over the phone?
The method of dealing with a granddaughter or policemanis most often used over the phone. Fraudsters often turn to old telephone directories and look for numbers that most likely belong to an elderly person. In the era of fast flow of information and data, also mobile numbers may fall into the wrong hands. This opens up an infamous field for action.
Granddaughter method - what is it?
What is the method for a granddaughter? Well, the scammer calls the selected person and - according to the name - pretends to be either a granddaughter or another person from the family. He conducts the conversation in such a way as not to introduce himself by name, but through manipulation to extract various information from the interlocutor, so as to quickly authenticate himself. And this is when requests for financial assistance are most often made for various reasons, e.g.
- kidnapping - you have to pay the ransom immediately;
- accident - "grandson" caused it and must pay immediately, otherwise he will be in trouble and the police will be called;
- investment - an urgent amount is needed for this purpose, otherwise a significant amount will be lost;
- an attractive purchase - e.g. no specific amount to buy a flat at a bargain price.
Fraudsters skillfully play on the emotions of an elderly person and ruthlessly use their good intentions. They can even simulate crying on demand.
When it is agreed how much money the interlocutor is able to pay, the fraudster usually informs that, for various reasons, he cannotappear in person for money, but may send, for example, a colleague or other acquaintance. And unfortunately, when such a meeting takes place, money may be extorted and its irretrievable loss may occur.
How to protect yourself from the granddaughter method?
First of all, make older people aware that this is how scammers work. In addition, if anyone has any doubts that they are talking to an impostor, write down their phone number and then call the family and simply check the other person's credibility.
The scammers are sophisticated enough that they usually call during working hours, when contact with family may be difficult. The matter is always urgent, sudden, emotional, and help must be provided immediately. During the conversation, it is not worth giving any information about the "granddaughter" or another person, if someone claims to be such. Be careful when the interlocutor is unable to provide convincing information and simply verify himself.
It is best to inform the police about each such incident. You can call the phone number 997 or 112. For example, in Warsaw (where such crimes most often occur) there is a special number for this type of case - (22) 60 33 222.
Greater vigilance of bank employees can also be helpful, especially when an elderly person is nervous and wants to withdraw a large sum of money. It is also worth remembering that anyone can fall victim to fraud - hence the recommended vigilance in the case of telephone calls to unknown numbers.
Policeman method - what does it look like?
The scenario for such a method could be the following: a scammer calls an elderly person and pretends to be a policeman (earlier he may also call as a "grandson" or other family member to suddenly hang up). He makes up a convincing story, for example, that he is working out a criminal group and needs immediate financial support.
Another possibility? Informs the caller that his or her account is at risk of hacking and that all funds may be lost. At the same time, he presents the perfect remedy - transfer it to the new account, safe because it was set up by the police. There may be many variants of the story, because unfortunately the creativity of criminals knows no bounds.
How to protect yourself against the policeman method?
First of all, you should be aware that such methods are used by fraudsters. Moreover, a policeman or representative of other services should never make such a request to a random person. As in the case of the granddaughter method, it is worth informing the police about such attempts of fraud in case of any doubts.
Other methodsused by fraudsters
Potential scammers may also introduce themselves as other people. It is not only about family members and policemen, but also about:
- Bank employee.This is a method called vishing (for voice phishing). Fraudsters pretend to be a bank employee to obtain important data: credit card number, login, password, SMS code. For this purpose, they may present various information, e.g. that the account has been blocked and you need to provide data to update everything, or that there were suspicious transactions on the card and everything should be verified.
- Social worker.There are already personal visits. The alleged employee may, for example, during an interview ask an elderly person to change money - then he manages to note where the savings are kept. A moment of inattention and the funds disappear from the house.
In both cases, the identity of the caller must be verified. If the phone call from the "bank" is suspicious, it is best to hang up and call the hotline to make sure that the situation is real.
In turn, a social worker should have a business ID card with a photo, name and surname, official position, ID number, stamp and signature of the person issuing the document. Any requests to change money are also unusual and should arouse suspicion.
Which data should never be disclosed over the phone?
First of all, it is about bank details - especially those for logging in and one-time passwords. Bank employees never ask for this information in any form. Fraudsters can also send e-mails and texts with just such requests. Disclosure of data may result in the loss of all funds accumulated on the account!
About the author
Daniel Works A Polish and American philologist by education, by profession - more like the former. For over a decade, he has been working on texts: writing, editing, and occasional proofreading. He specializes primarily in home & living, but also writes about culture, art, fashion, he alth, tourism and everything that will attract attention and interest. Privately, a fan of series with a plot detached from reality and - possibly in terms of time and other possibilities - a traveler.
Read more articles from this author