Scams and frauds are targeting isolated seniors during COVID-19. Here’s how to spot them
Isolated seniors are especially at risk of becoming victims of scams and frauds during the pandemic, Hamilton police say.
Const. Kimberly Kikas, senior support officer for Division 30, said many scams are taking advantage of people's preoccupation with COVID-19, expecting victims not to be as alert about checking their financial statements, accounts and personal information.
She said some scams and frauds are specifically capitalizing on a victim's isolation.
We're seeing a lot of the ones where isolation is a key factor, like romance scams, the online scams, things like that where they can target somebody for being solely lonely," she said.
Specifically when it comes to seniors, she said scammers and fraudsters build up" their isolated victims to feel loved, to feel wanted, to feel special."
Kikas couldn't comment on whether scams and frauds have increased during the pandemic because she didn't have data available. She said, however, that police receive calls daily" about potential scam calls. Between March 6 and Oct. 31, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 6,836 reports of COVID fraud, with $6.6 million in losses.
In an online presentation through Flamborough Connects, Kikas outlined major scams and their warning signs.
1. Romance scam
One of the scams that's picked up during the pandemic is what's called a romance scam." It's one of the top 10 scams annually in the country, and the one with the most money lost, Kikas said.
She added family members tend to report concerns about their loved ones chatting to friends they've met online.
She said the No. 1 story" she's hearing during the pandemic is that a person, typically male, says they're stuck" in Western Canada because of the pandemic and wants to come home.
Scammers tend to size up" their victims to determine their financial status, and will invest their time accordingly.
Sometimes they'll try to do their investigation on you because they want to see, are you willing to send $500? Are you willing to send $50,000?" she said. If you have $50,000, they'll spend a little bit more time on you. They'll spend a little bit more time getting to know you, making you fall in love, showing you that companionship online."
Kikas added that people are especially vulnerable during the pandemic.
People are just yearning for that compassion, yearning for somebody they can talk to, somebody that they can depend on, somebody that they can wake up to and have a Good morning,' message from," she said. If you have somebody like that in your life, please look out for them ... be that person that says Good morning' to them, instead of that fraudster."
2. Income tax extortion scam
Most people have probably received a robocall claiming to be from the CRA and threatening legal action if the victim doesn't take action.
They are very aggressive when they call," said Kikas. They'll use big tax terms, they'll use big legal terms, they'll use police jargon even to scare you and make you believe that the police are coming to arrest you."
She said many people are still receiving these calls, but believes people are more aware now that it's a scam.
Police will never come and arrest you for owing tax money," Kikas said.
3. Tech support scams
This is a scam where people are told their computer has a virus and under the guise of fixing it, scammers steal personal information or money.
A pop-up may appear inviting a target to scan their computer for viruses, or a scammer may call on the phone asking their victims to go on the computer, and ask for their email or to visit a specific website, which they use to install spyware onto the computer.
They'll actually ask you to go into your bank account online while they have access to your computer," said Kikas. Never do this."
She added that if anyone calls about a virus on the computer, the best thing to do is shut down the computer and take it to a professional.
If someone has mistakenly given their banking information to a scammer, Kikas said to shut down the computer immediately and contact the bank to freeze your online bank account. Have the computer scanned by a professional.
4. Home improvement scams
This scam can be door to door. Someone says they're in the area doing work on a neighbour's house and can help fix up the potential victim's home, too.
Kikas said while many times the person might be authentic, it's important to be alert for scammers.
The scammer proceeds to tell a sad story about, for example, losing their job in COVID, and on the verge of being evicted. Unfortunately, right now, it could be true," said Kikas. Use your wits."
She added that the scammer will generally ask to come inside the home - a big no-no - or leave their phone number. Scammers also sometimes steal medication when they enter someone's home.
Other red flags
COVID-related scams adapt to what's going on in the world, so it's important to cross-check a caller's claims through online research or asking reputable people.
Some of the common red flags in scams include a sense of urgency and secrecy. Kikas added that the scammer tends not to address the victim by name, and responds aggressively when asked questions.
The way the person asks to receive money is also telling, she said, noting to watch out for requests for wire transfers and to also avoid payment by Bitcoin.
Kikas added to never send a gift card over the phone or type it into an email. Always give the physical gift card," she said, noting she expects to see a huge surge" in scams this year given the number of charities seeking donations through gift cards.
Hamilton police can deliver online presentations about senior safety. To request one, contact a senior support officer at 905-546-4925.
Maria Iqbal's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories focused on aging issues. Reach her via email: miqbal@thespec.com