25 fraudulent schemes that can deprive you of retirement in the US - ForumDaily
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25 fraud schemes that could deprive you of a US pension

You worked hard all your life, tried to make reasonable financial decisions, tried to make savings for retirement and get ready to enjoy the golden age? Now imagine that all this can be easily lost, becoming a victim of fraudsters.

Фото: Depositphotos

There are more of them than meets the eye - and they will go to great lengths to get your hard-earned money, writes The brainy penny. Even if they don’t manage to take everything, scammers will gladly take any part of your funds that is not in good shape. Find out how deception schemes work - and don't fall for it!

1. IRS imposter

They usually use a telephone. The person calls you and says that he is from the IRS. According to him, there is an error in the previous tax return sent by you, and you did not follow the instructions from the letters. Of course, you acknowledge that you have not received any letters. You are told that the federal authorities have already left to arrest you if you do not pay right now.

Some of these scammers ask you to buy gift cards, such as iTunes, and then read the number out loud. Others request information about your accounts and immediately withdraw money. The IRS will never ask you for anything like this by phone and will not allow you to pay with gift cards! In short, if you get a call from IRS, hang up.

2. Return Mortgage

These scammers prey on elderly people living on fixed incomes. Usually the offender offers a free valuation of the property, sometimes under the guise of reducing the property tax on homeowners. The assessment is “free”, but in the future they will come again, demanding money to reduce taxes. In addition, they explain that, along with this assessment, they can offer the homeowner a reverse mortgage, convincing people to copy their homes into them.

Never trust anyone who offers something for free or asks you to pay a commission after providing a free product or service! Check them through the Better Business Bureau or ask a family member to do so. If you are not sure of the ability of your elderly parents to deal with this, you can talk to a lawyer about how to take control of finances so that older people do not become victims of these scammers.

3. “Scary story” from Medicare

Federal Reserve systems issue new Medicare cards to all seniors. The new cards do not have a social security number printed, which should reduce the incidence of theft and fraud. Scammers are calling, trying to find out if you have received a new card. If you have not done so, they will ask you to confirm your personal information to make sure that your card has reached you. They usually ask for your birthday, social security number and home address. This information is used for identity fraud.

Some go even further, stating that there is a balance in your account and you cannot get a new card until you pay. They will receive information about a current account or credit card and empty your accounts! These cards are free, and the government will never call you for personal information. Never give out credit card or bank account information by phone.

4. Social Security leak

This is another phone scam. The person calling you is the Social Security Administration employee. He may say that your social security number or payments were suspended due to fraud, identity theft, or other criminal activity. They speak very friendly and even offer to do you a favor by helping you with this little “problem”.

Do not give in! These people will ask for your personal information, they will ask you to confirm your social security number and bank account. Social Security will never call you, they only notify citizens by mail or through an online account on the site. NEVER give out personal information over the phone!

5. Gift card

Thinking about giving grandchildren for the holidays? Gift cards, of course, make shopping easier and convenient to send. Unfortunately, fraudsters have found a way to steal these wonderful surprises from your grandchildren! Fraudsters steal card numbers and security codes while the cards are still in the store. Then they replace the thin coating above the security codes. Thieves use a special technology that notifies them when someone has bought and activated a card.

You can avoid this by buying gift cards in secure packages. If the packaging is broken or looks strange, do not buy. You can also avoid cheating by purchasing a gift card online.

Фото: Depositphotos

6. The “free cheese” trap

Many people of any age fall into this trap. You get a check in the mail saying you entered the lottery - but you don't remember anything about it. Damn it, money is money! You have no idea how much your “winnings” will cost you if you follow the instructions in the letter.

Typically, the letter explains that the check is part of the winnings and you need to deposit it and tie the company to the money to cover the cost of posting the rest of the money or pay taxes. If you do this, you will lose the entire amount. Remember, if you win the lottery, the company will withhold taxes and pay any “fees” from your winnings. There is no need to pay your own money for something you supposedly “won.”

7. “Support” technical support

If you know enough about computers to surf the Internet, but not enough to know when something is wrong, scammers are waiting for you. They may call and say they represent Microsoft or Apple and that they have discovered a serious security risk on your computer. They send you to a website to “fix” the problem, but in reality they gain access to your computer, allowing them to steal your passwords, tax information, and bank records.

Neither Microsoft nor Apple will call and talk about your computer. If you have problems, call them! Security issues are fixed through updates rather than by navigating to websites. Do not click on links in emails or download programs from emails - these are often malicious sites or viruses.

8. Utility Players

No one likes the idea of ​​being left without water or other utilities during the holidays or vacation. Fraudsters like to choose this time - they can call and say that they are going to turn off your electricity or water if you don’t pay right now. They will tell you that you will have to take your proof of payment receipts to the office later and then the money will be returned - but right now you need to pay or you will be cut off. By the way, gift cards can also be used here.

Utility companies do not work this way! They will never accept payment through gift cards! Companies send at least a few emails warning of disconnection before taking action. If in doubt, hang up and call the number on your utility bill.

9. Money for health

These scammers use paper and email, and sometimes even commercials, which are played late at night. Fake health products, such as anti-aging creams, cholesterol blockers, herbal diabetes medications, etc., are aimed at older people who want to improve their health.

These products are useless at best and dangerous at worst. Many companies require you to pay a monthly fee for overpriced products that do not deliver results. Attempts to cancel the order are met with consent, but later you will receive a claim. Also, the “30-day money-back guarantee” is almost always a scam. Keep in mind that there is no "miracle" cure for diabetes or a magic cream to eliminate wrinkles.

10. Cheating caring

Empathy is a good thing, but scammers use it to their advantage to enrich themselves at your expense. This works in every possible way, from door-to-door fundraisers and letters in the mail asking for donations to advertising on social media.

Typically the person is asking for donations for some current event that you know about, such as a hurricane or earthquake victims. Others take a more general approach, subtly changing the name of a well-known foundation so you don't really notice - for example, "Red Red Cross". You might think it's just a typo if you notice anything at all. The only "charities" receiving this money are the thieves themselves. Never give money to any charity unless you are 100% sure you know who you are giving to.

Фото: Depositphotos

11. Timeshare errors

It's a common theme among timeshare property owners - expenses can be a burden, and older owners themselves use their property much less often than when they were young. Selling your timeshare in retirement sounds good in theory, but it's not that simple.

Thieves create fake websites filled with reviews of “happy customers” who claim to sell their timeshare profitably and make millions of dollars. Fraudsters request a small fee (from several hundred to several thousand) dollars to speed up sales. Of course, they disappear with money. You do not need to pay a fee for the sale of your share. If the company is legal, it will charge any fees minus the selling price.

12. Digital romance

Many older people use online dating sites and social networks to find love after 50. Many just want to communicate or are looking for the latest love. Unfortunately, people find fraudsters. Almost all of these “bogus relationships” have one thing in common: fraudsters never want to meet in person. They can say they serve in the army or are abroad. Usually, they first ask for small amounts of money for something trivial, for example, to pay an overdue Internet bill. Later requests become more expensive, for example, the amount for a plane ticket to fly to you.

As you can imagine, the trip is always delayed, and the amounts requested are gradually increased, while assurances of eternal love do not stop. Moral: never send money to anyone you do not know personally.

13. Silent call

This is probably the easiest scam for thieves. Have you ever picked up the phone and didn't get an answer? You can repeat your "hello?" And again no one will answer. Also, you can ask any question to which you answer "yes", and hang up. What is it about? How can this be used?

These are usually robocalls that record your voice. If you've ever waited for a "yes" answer on the phone so you could buy a product—like an extended warranty—you understand how it works. It's hard not to say something when the phone rings, but if you don't know the number, just wait for the person to speak first, and if there's silence, press end.

14. Pyramid on the pyramid

The network pyramid works, convincing you that by attracting other people, you can earn a lot of money. For example, you pay $ 100 to the person at the top of the list and add your name to the bottom of the list, then you send the list to the 10 person. When it comes to you, you will earn 100 000 dollars. Sounds great, right?

The obvious problem here is: what if no one pays? Each person on this list must recruit 10 people. After a while the numbers are so big that the whole thing falls apart, meaning that only the people who started the pyramid made any money. All such schemes are scams, remember this.

15. International secrets

For older people who are looking forward to retirement abroad, there are also risks. Often, these scams include renting or buying houses that do not exist, offering to "help" you with your immigration documents in this country or transfer documents for you. These scammers behave like very useful people who are supposedly trying to make your “transition” simple, but in fact they only need money.

Look for help on social networks, study embassy websites, communicate with other immigrants - turn to trusted and relevant sources. Don't buy property or cars you haven't seen, no matter how trustworthy the person is.

Фото: Depositphotos

16. Funeral fraud

One of the oldest types of fraud works in one of three ways. After reading the obituary, the thief calls the family or appears at the funeral, where he grieves sincerely. He claims that the deceased owed them money, and suggested that the family pay off the “lesser” debt “out of respect”.

This option is also possible: a person finds out where the funeral will be, and when everyone leaves, they rob a house. Therefore, do not indicate the address of the deceased on websites or in obituaries; do not leave the house unattended for the duration of the ceremony. Some unprincipled funeral homes try to make you spend too much, for example, on more expensive burial or accessories. Ask your family or relatives to help you make the right decision.

17. Bobby double

This is a popular scam in which thieves view information on social networks. They may notice that grandson Bobby takes a little vacation and travels to Mexico. They find information about Bobby's grandparents on social networks. Then, to the grandmother and grandfather, someone calling for the role of Bobby suddenly calls by phone, and the connection is very bad, the voice is not recognized.

At this point, the story changes: Bobby may be in a Mexican prison and need money to save, he may be a victim of a car accident and ask to pay the bill at the hospital. Sometimes Bobby is robbed and he needs money for a return ticket. Grandparents are so upset that they send money immediately. Later it becomes known that everything is fine with Bobby and he did not call them.

Teach your relatives and learn to ask yourself certain questions that would tell you that this is exactly Bobby. Give fake information and see how they react. In any case, it’s best to find a way to contact Bobby and make sure he’s fine.

18. Grieving widow

Every scammer knows that emotions make a person vulnerable. This is especially true for widows - the deceased husband often took care of those financial aspects of the family about which the woman knows nothing. After the funeral, scammers pose as bank officials or IRS agents and claim that the deceased owes them money. They may offer to "help" the widow by putting the house in her name only - in fact, she will actually transfer the house into their name.

Never pay or sign anything during the tribulation period. Get information from callers and ask a trusted family member to figure it out. There is nothing that could not wait a few days in this situation.

19. Desperation from repair

Crystal-clear-looking men show up in a work truck offering free services (like gutter cleaning). This scam has two scenarios. The “workers” will discover that the house needs roofing or chimney repairs and will offer to do it at the cost of parts alone. They will ask for money to buy material in advance or ask for half for everything, and the rest supposedly after finishing the work. Once you pay, they will disappear. Another option is for the worker to take you outside to show you the damage he found, and engage you in creating an estimate and asking questions, while a second crook comes inside and robs you, taking everything you can carry out the back door.

Never pay for anything in advance. Evaluate if you want, but tell me that you do not have cash and you need to consult with your family. If someone asks you to go outside, you can either refuse or make sure that you lock the house and see both "workers" during a conversation.

20. Drug discounts

Many older people take prescription drugs and often look for ways to save money. Scammers know this and send emails offering regular prescription drugs at extremely low prices. This scam works: you give credit card information and never get anything in return.

Never buy medicines online if you do not know the company! In any case, a person offering over-the-counter drugs works illegally. Drug prices that cost only 1 / 3 of what you would pay in the US are most likely fraud. Some pharmacies in other countries, for example, in India, do not have such standards as in America. You don't know what their pills contain, so you risk your life to save a few dollars.

Фото: Depositphotos

21. Uncle Sam is calling you

No one wants to worry about Uncle Sam. That is why "government" impostors, who look so convincing, have collected more than 328 million dollars in 2017 year. Sometimes scammers call themselves someone from a government agency, such as the county office, stating that you need to pay a fine. Someone comes to your door and says that you need to pay taxes.

Keep in mind that no one from the government office will contact you by phone. Social security, Medicare, even the IRS or the county tax authorities will not call you or come without first sending a series of letters. Never give money, checks or credit card information to a person just because he called himself an official.

22. Facebook

When Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg announced that he was going to give half of his fortune to charity, many scammers decided to take advantage of this. Some write messages that show fake checks and happy faces of the winners of this “lottery”, others are called official Facebook employees. They say that you either have to fly to California to collect the money, or you must send a certain amount in order for the winnings to come to you through FedEx.

If you still did not know this, Zuckerberg really gives money, but not to certain people. You will never win anything on Facebook, no matter how convincing it looks. If you are contacted, report it to Facebook and then block these people. Never post your phone number or email to Facebook.

23. Skimmer scammers

Before you insert any card into the machine, pay for gas, or get cash from an ATM, take a few seconds to test your card reader. Thieves place small devices directly into the reader - this is called a skimmer. These devices record your card information and your code when you insert it. You will think that the machine is not working, but money will be quickly debited from your account.

The biggest risk of such fraud is at gas stations. You can avoid this by paying inside.

Standalone ATMs may also use skimmers, but here thieves tend to be a little more creative. ATMs use cameras so you won't suspect anything. But their camera will look not at your face, but at your hands to see the image of the card and its PIN code. Always cover your hand when entering information.

24. Nonexistent rest

This is an old scam that works even better when thieves have access to the Internet. Fraud is the same for any type of vacation. You see beautiful and attractive images on the Internet. The price is reasonable, and the owner claims that "someone just canceled the reservation," so you are lucky.

They will insist that you pay in advance and in advance. Sometimes they even have a set of fake keys! This also happens with vacation packages sold by online companies. These are usually all-inclusive packages, which include airport transfers, luxury hotel rooms, free breakfast, entertainment, and so on. You pay, and they promise to send you ticket reservations "soon." Tickets do not come, and the company disappears.

Use only well-known travel sites or sites such as Airbnb that are warranted.

25. Religion

Many visitors to Christian dating sites or groups on social networks believe that another Christian will not “break them up” - so they believe. And scammers take advantage of this.

The style of scams on these sites varies, but they usually make friends and then start asking for money. Sometimes they will even meet with you in person for coffee and prayer, then ask for money to “cover them” during an emergency, or simply empty your pockets. Others play the “lover’s trick” - after supposedly going a long distance, they ask you to send money for airline tickets, bus tickets, or help pay for medicine for a sick mother.

You should never send money to people you do not know, and be very careful when meeting people you know only from online groups. Always meet in public places and do not rush to share money.

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