Scams Target Senior Citizens

It may be an unfortunate fact, but as you get into your golden years you are more likely to be targeted by scammers. Michelle Reinen is the Director of the Consumer Protection Bureau for the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She says the tech support scam where your computer is targeted is one that keeps resurfacing. A caller says they can help remove a virus from your computer if you just make a payment. Senior citizens are also more likely to be approached for sweepstakes scams. Reinen says that is because of the theory of wanting to leave something behind for family, friends and loved ones. Another obvious scam, implied by its name, is the “Grandparents Scam” in which the scammer poses as a grandchild that is in trouble and needs money to get out of a jam.