R.O.S.E., Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly
Unsolicited contact, whether through phone calls, emails, or text messages, is often the first step in many scams. Scammers rely on surprise and deception, making unsolicited contact a powerful tool to catch their intended targets off guard. Understanding this tactic is crucial for protecting oneself against various fraudulent schemes.
Scammers typically initiate contact without prior warning, posing as representatives from trusted organizations such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. They may claim urgent issues, like compromised accounts or unpaid taxes, to instill fear and prompt immediate action. This tactic leverages the target’s trust and sense of urgency, often leading them to disclose personal information or make financial transactions without proper verification.
One common scam involves robocalls, where automated messages instruct recipients to press a number to speak to a representative or to resolve an urgent matter—like a missed jury duty session. Similarly, phishing emails often contain links directing recipients to counterfeit websites designed to steal login credentials or personal details. In other cases, text messages may include malicious links or request sensitive information.
To handle unsolicited contact effectively, follow these tips:
Stay Calm and Verify: If you receive an unexpected call, email, or text message, remain calm. Do not provide any personal information or make immediate decisions. Hang up or delete the message if you feel uneasy. Ronald Regan made the phrase “trust, but verify” very popular. We recommend you verify before you trust.
Independently Verify the Source: If the contact claims to be from a legitimate organization, independently verify the contact information. Use official websites or known contact numbers to confirm the authenticity of the request.
Do Not Click Links or Download Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. These can contain malware or lead to phishing sites.
Use Call Blocking and Filtering Tools: Utilize call-blocking apps and features provided by your phone or service provider to block known scam numbers or emails. Consider turning on “Silence Unknown Callers” for Apple phones or “Block Unknown Callers” for Android phones.
By staying vigilant and adopting these precautionary measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams initiated through unsolicited contact.
R.O.S.E. seeks to create change by educating and providing awareness of financial scams that typically target the older adult population, with a focus on those age 60 and over. For more information and resources, visit roseadvocacy.org, email us at [email protected], or call us at 602-445-7673.