Scam of the Week: Seniors targeted

The Scam: Phone elderly bank customers, ask for personal bank info
The Targets: Missouri senior citizens
The Hook: Three common ploys, according to the Missouri Bankers Association:
• “We want to make sure your account is secure.” Part of the customer’s bank routing number is then read to them, and the rest of the information on the account is requested.
• “The bank is failing, and we want to protect your money.”
• “If you want to continue to get your Medicare or Medicaid payments, we need your bank information.”
The Scammers: Unidentified callers.
How to avoid being victimized: Don't answer questions like this over the phone; banks never ask for it. Hang up and call your bank if you feel you've been victimized.

Comments

[J]

This happened to my 86 year old grandmother just yesterday morning...

Although she did give her information, she immediately called the bank to tell then what happened.

I feel so sorry for the elderly victims, she is so embarrased that she has done this.