This video shows how easy it is to start a conversation about scams and how to protect yourself from them.
Pass It On
June 23, 2014
Announcer Voice Over: Spending time together. Exercising. Getting together with friends. This time of life means doing more of what we enjoy. Unfortunately, older people sometimes are a target for scams. And people who fall for a scam can lose face, along with money and confidence. That’s why it’s so important to pass on what you’ve learned. Your experience can help others. Start a conversation with the people in your life. For example, you can remind your friends and loved ones that, if anyone ever asks them to send money: STOP. Check it out with someone they trust. Get the real story. Once they get the real story, then they can decide what to do. You know this. You may not have gotten a call or e-mail asking you for money, but chances are, you know someone who has. Sharing what you know with those you care about can help stop the scammers in their tracks. Help someone learn to spot fraudulent phone calls, e-mails, or letters. Pass on what you’ve learned. And remember a sure sign of a scam: if anyone contacts you and asks you to wire money – no matter who they say they are. That’s a scam. You know this. So pass it on to a friend. If you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is the nation’s consumer protection agency. Our mission is to stop fraud, deception, and unfair business practices – and help people recognize them. To report a scam, Go online: ftc.gov/complaint Or Call the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 Fraud and scams affect millions of people each year – but they don’t have to affect someone you know. It’s important that everybody understands the cost – financial and emotional. So share your experience. When you get an offer, Stop Check it out. Get the real story. Decide what to do. Then tell a friend or family member about it. Pass it On.