Tips on how to protect yourself from the most common scams targeting the elderly

Scams targeting the elderly are becoming increasingly common . With this in mind, we believe it is important to publicise some precautions to reduce the risks. We have prepared a leaflet to distribute to those we support and have decided to shareit on our website to help others who may need it as well.

Guidance on preventing scams targeting the elderly

• Never confirm or provide personal details (bank account details, password, number of documents) by telephone, email or WhatsApp;
• No provide this information over the phone, by email or via WhatsApp. It is very common for people to be asked to give the last three digits of their CPF or bank account number. Do not disclose this information;
• If you receive a message from an unknown number and it seems suspicious, do not reply. Ask someone you trust for advice. ;
• Do not use self-service terminals (cash machines) in public places or in banks, never accept help from strangers , even if they claim to be staff at the venue;
• Never share passwords with strangers;
• If you live in a block of flats and are not expecting any visitors, do not let strangers in or open the door to strangers ;
• If you are not expecting no parcel, do not answer the door or allow the service provider to enter ;
• Do not hand over cards, personal documents or other items to strangers. Banks do not ask for these items to be collected from your home;
• Police officers do not visit homes unless called out;
• Be wary of emails with subject lines such as “You have been selected in a prize draw”, “You have won”, “Click to enter”, “Click for unlimited access”. Many of these emails trick the victim into providing personal details (bank details, passwords, etc.) by filling in forms on fake web pages;
• A common telephone scam is the fake purchase scam, in which someone calls the victim claiming that a purchase has been made using their card . The victim does not recognise the purchase and is asked to provide their details for confirmation. With this information, the scammer can gain access to bank accounts and make purchases or carry out transactions.
• The scam fake kidnapping is also very common. In this scam, the victim receives a call informing them that a family member has been kidnapped and demanding a ransom. Usually, the scammer does not know the name of the family member who has been ‘kidnapped’, so never give out any names. If your phone has caller ID, be wary if the area code is from a different region to where you live. It is important to stay calm and try to ask a third party for help in locating the family member who is allegedly being held for ransom;
• If you are booking a ride via a ride-hailing app, do not accept help from strangers, nor allow them to book a ride for you another mobile phone . Before boarding, always check the vehicle’s registration number and the driver’s name.

New coronavirus scam

A new scam is circulating, mainly targeting the elderly.

Some unscrupulous individuals are calling mobile phones claiming to be from the Ministry of Health and asking if you could help by completing a survey about the coronavirus.

Say no and hang up.

If you agree, they will send a code to track your WhatsApp so they can ask all your contacts for money.

So, please: ATTENTION!

Be on your guard and don’t believe it!