CONTACT

Janice L. Friddle
Telephone: 720-947-5305

Denver-- AARP ElderWatch is warning seniors to be aware of a new telephone scam attempting to glean private information from unsuspecting citizens.

AARP ElderWatch has heard from concerned seniors who received calls from individuals claiming to represent the “Department of Governments,” a non-existent group which the caller claims is affiliated with the Treasury Department. The caller states that because the consumer paid their taxes early they are entitled to a $10,000 grant. Ultimately, the conversation leads to the senior being asked for personal information such as the bank account and routing number. These ‘phishing-type’ scams almost always end with the consumer losing money.

“This is a new twist on a number of phishing scams and the perpetrators are using current events to try and entice people with an invisible financial windfall,” explains Janice L. Friddle Executive Director of AARP ElderWatch.

AARP ElderWatch regularly warns consumers to never give any personal or financial information over the phone. “These scam artists want your personal information and then they withdraw the money right out of your account,” states Friddle.

AARP ElderWatch offers these tips to help avoid these types of Identity Theft scams:

• Never give personal or financial information over the phone to anyone you don’t know.
• Always shred your banking and personal papers with a cross cut shredder, identity thieves can piece back ripped up pieces.
• Get a free copy of your credit report annually and check for any discrepancies.