The Problem
"Con artists" are smooth-talking criminals who try to separate you from your money or possessions through trickery and deceit. They can be men or women who work alone, in pairs, or in groups. It's not always easy to recognize con (or "confidence") people, who may not always appear to be "shady looking characters" and most often don't appear to be what they really are.
According to a July 26, 2001 meeting of the House Committee on Ways and Means on Social Security, it has been estimated that seniors are bilked out of nearly $40 billion per year. Anyone can become a victim of any type of scam, but senior citizens are often the con artist’s favorite target.
Protecting Yourself & Your Loved Ones
Con artists may stop you on the street, call on the phone, or ring your doorbell pretending to be repair people, building inspectors, bank examiners or any other service person. There are many different kinds of confidence games.
To avoid becoming a victim BEWARE of the following:
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Overly friendly strangers who offer goods or services at low rates. (If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.) |
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Friendly strangers who tell you they have found money and want to share it with you. |
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Telephone calls from someone claiming to be a bank official asking you to withdraw money from your account for any reason. Banks communicate business transactions in writing. |
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Schemes that involve removing your savings or other valuables from safekeeping and turning them over to somebody else. |
What to do if you, a friend, or family member is a victim?
Call us toll-free immediately. We're experienced in locating and capturing "con" artists and have done so in many cases involving fraudulent scams aimed at seniors. If you've been a victim of a scam, don't let them get away with it at your expense and, eventually, at the expense of others!! There is no reason to be "embarrassed" or silent about this type of crime. "Confidence" artists are professionals who prey upon good-natured, generous people! You don't want to see them get away---and we won't let them! More Information from the FBI
