Watch Out for Hobby Fraud

Scammers are increasingly adopting new methods to deceive unsuspecting victims, especially older adults. One of the latest threats is AI-generated voice fraud, also known as vishing (voice phishing). These scams use sophisticated AI technology to create highly realistic voices that mimic trusted individuals or organizations.Lets talk about what you should do if you receive such a call and how to protect your sensitive information.Understanding AI-Generated Voice FraudAs mentioned, scammers perform AI-generated voice fraud using synthetic voices that sound convincingly like a family member, friend, or legitimate entity such as a bank or government agency. These calls can be exceptionally persuasive and dangerous since the synthetic voices replicate the speech patterns and tone of the impersonated individuals. Additionally, fraudsters can manipulate caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted source when it is not.Common Tactics Used in AI-Generated Fraud CallsBe on alert for the following AI-generated fraud calls:Impersonation of Family Members: Scammers may claim to be a relative in urgent need of money due to an emergency. The voice will sound distressingly familiar, making it easy to fall for the ploy.Bank Representative Scams: Fraudsters impersonate bank representatives, asking for account details or prompting money transfers to secure accounts.Tech Support Scams: Callers pose as tech support from reputable companies, convincing victims to grant remote access to their computers or pay for unnecessary services.Government Agency Impersonation: They may mimic officials from agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration, threatening legal action or demanding immediate payment of fines or taxes.Utility and Phone Company Scams: Fraudsters imitate representatives from utilities or phone companies, claiming issues with the account and requesting payment or personal details to resolve them.Steps to Take If You Receive a Suspicious CallSo, what should you do if you receive such calls that are highly convincing? Here are some essential steps to take:Stay Calm and Dont Panic: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions.Verify the Callers Identity: If the caller claims to be a family member, ask specific questions only that person would know. If the caller claims to be from a legitimate organization, hang up and call the organizations official number to verify.Never Share Personal Information: Legitimate entities like the bank or the government will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Do not provide personal, financial, or account details to the caller.Report the Call: Report the incident to your bank, local authorities, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps to alert others and potentially track down the scammers.Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family. Awareness is a key defense against fraud.If you need assistance or have concerns about potential scams, dont hesitate to seek help. At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we prioritize the safety and security of our residents. Contact us today to ensure your loved ones are in a safe space 303-420-7258!

Online shopping has become a convenient way for seniors to purchase everything from groceries to gifts. However, with the rise in online transactions, theres also an increase in scams targeting older adults. These scams can lead to significant financial loss and personal information breaches.Heres how seniors can recognize these scams and shop online with confidence.Recognizing Common Online Shopping ScamsThe first step to avoiding online shopping scams is to be aware of them. Here are a few common ones: Phishing Scams: These involve fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate companies and ask for personal or financial information. These emails often contain links to fake websites designed to steal sensitive data. Fake Online Stores: Scammers create fake websites resembling legitimate online stores to lure shoppers. These sites may offer products at unusually low prices or request personal information to complete a purchase. Auction Scams: Online auction scams involve sellers who promise goods at a bargain but deliver nothing or send counterfeit items. The payment is often requested via unconventional methods, which can be challenging to trace. Identity Theft: Fraudsters may use online shopping sites to collect personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or addresses, which they can then use for identity theft.Tips for Safe Online ShoppingHere are some practical tips for seniors to ensure a safe online shopping experience:Verify the WebsiteBefore making a purchase, verify if the website is legitimate. Look for indicators such as a secure connection (check for https in the URL), a physical address, and contact information. Avoid sites with poor design, numerous pop-ups, or spelling errors, which can be red flags for scams.Use Trusted RetailersShop from well-known and reputable retailers. Major retailers and established online stores have security measures to protect customer information. If unsure about a lesser-known site, research reviews and ratings before proceeding.Check for Reviews and RatingsReading reviews and ratings from other customers can help determine the reliability of a website or product. Look for reviews on independent platforms and avoid those that seem overly positive or generic.Protect Personal InformationShare personal or financial information only through secured channels or with familiar websites. Legitimate retailers will not ask for sensitive details via email or social media. Be cautious of requests for personal information or payment methods outside standard practices.Use Secure Payment MethodsUse secure payment methods such as credit cards or well-known payment services (e.g., PayPal) when making purchases. These methods offer fraud protection and can help resolve disputes if there are issues with the transaction.Monitor Your AccountsCheck your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions. Promptly report any suspicious activity to your bank to minimize potential damage.Keep Software UpdatedEnsure that your computer, smartphone, and security software are up-to-date. Regular updates help protect against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats that could compromise your personal information.Seek Help If NeededIf youre unsure about an online transaction or encounter a suspicious website, seek help from a trusted family member or friend. They can help verify the sites legitimacy or offer guidance on safe shopping practices.Online shopping can offer convenience and accessibility, but its important to remain vigilant amidst scams. At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, were dedicated to helping our community navigate these challenges and ensuring secure and enjoyable experiences. Contact us today to learn more 303-420-7258.

Research shows that seniors are common targets of scammers. One of the most common ways that criminals try to get information is through Medicare scam calls. In fact, your Medicare number is often more valuable for criminals than your social security number or credit card numbers/banking information.The caregivers at Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help you identify these scams. We offer a variety of in-home senior care services from companionship to medical care.In this article, well explain what you need to know about common Medicare scams.Does Medicare Ever Call Recipients?There are only two reasons that Medicare will ever call you, according to the Medicare website:Health/drug plan provider may call if you are already a member or the agent who helped you join may contact youCustomer service representative may contact you if youve left a message or received a letter stating that you will receive a phone callTop 7 Medicare ScamsFraudsters are getting smart with their scams. However, if someone calls you claiming to be from Medicare with the following pitches, its a scam.Your old Medicare card is invalid- you will be getting a new cardThis is one of the most common Medicare scams. The fraudster will inform you that in order to issue a new card, they will need your social security number and/or your Medicare card number.Truth: Medicare will not call you if there is an issue with your card. They will send a letter to arrange a phone interview.Your Medicare plan is about to be canceledThe caller will claim that in order to prevent your Medicare from being canceled, you will need to verify your current Medicare number, full name, address, banking information, birthdate, and social security number. This is also a common Social Security scam.Truth: Medicare representatives have your Medicare number on file- they will never ask for it. Additionally, Medicare representatives never ask for details such as your social security number to verity your identity.You are eligible for early access to vaccinationsThe COVID-19 pandemic spawned many pandemic-related scams such as being sent at-home testing kits or special access to vaccinations. These offers require that you provide information such as your Medicare number, social security number, and other personal details. Most of these start out as text messages or robocalls. The caller will offer you special access if you pay out of pocket.Truth: Medicare will never ask for you to pay out of pocket to get special treatment.You must confirm your appointment for genetic testingIn some cases, scammers will call offering free genetic testing to screen for a variety of health conditions. When you agree, they will steal your information and will bill Medicare for the test. In some cases, you may be sent an at-home test to complete along with a request for your information.Truth: Medicare will not call or send an at-home kit to offer you testing that you have not requested.You are eligible for free medical suppliesIf a scammer is aware of a specific health condition, such as diabetes, they may offer you free medical supplies or medications. They use this offer to get your Medicare number and other personal information as well as your credit card number so that you can pay for shipping. Your information will be used to over-bill Medicare.Truth: Medicare is not likely to call you to offer free medical supplies/medications. They will never ask for you to pay for shipping or provide financial information. Never pay for anything without seeing an invoice that can be confirmed with Medicare.You overpaid and are due a refundOne of the most common scams fraudsters use is to contact you via a phone call or text offering a refund on overpayment.Truth: Medicare will not call you to verify your personal financial information before issuing a refund. If you are due for a refund, a paper check will be sent out or it will be sent to the bank account on file.Youve been pre-approved for a cheaper/better planSome scammers will try to convince you that you are eligible for a cheaper/better plan than you are currently on. These are most common during open enrollment.Truth: Medicare will not call you without sending a letter first. You should never follow up on any unsolicited calls, visits from people claiming to be Medicare reps, or brochures.What to Do if You Are ContactedScammers can be persuasive, aggressive, and even threatening. However, its important to stay calm- they wont be able to do anything if you dont give them your information.Also, keep in mind that Medicare will not cold-call you. They will contact you via postal mail first to set up a phone interview.If you or a loved one is contacted by a fraudster:Never give out personal informationHang upReport the scam to MedicareWarn loved onesIf you or a loved one is in need of in-home elderly care, contact Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs. We offer a variety of services from simple companionship to medical care.