Online & Phone Scams Defraud Three Seniors of Thousands of Dollars
Mon, 2024-09-23
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) continues to urge residents, particularly senior citizens, to remain vigilant regarding online scams and phone scams.
In three recently reported incidents, one local senior citizen was apparently contacted through Facebook, while two other local senior citizens are understood to have received random phone calls. Combined, the three senior citizens involved reportedly were defrauded of approximately $685,000.
It is believed that the senior citizen contacted via social media received a message that appeared to come from someone known to them, containing specific instructions. Purchase Apple gift cards, photograph the back with the redemption code visible and send the pictures to an e-mail address provided in the message.
The two senior citizens that received unsolicited phone calls were led to believe the caller was a local bank employee contacting them because their accounts had been compromised. In one instance, it was reported that the senior citizen was persuaded to give the caller their bank information. In the other, it was reported that the senior citizen was persuaded to allow the caller remote access to their computer.
All of these scenarios are tactics regularly used by scammers to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
Renewed Practical Scam Prevention Advice
Avoid social media messages with instructions to redeem gift cards or send cash.
Don’t install any computer software recommended by an unknown caller.
Hang up on callers who ask for personal or bank information and either call the specific business to confirm if there is a problem, or contact the police for advice.
Check your bank account(s) regularly for any unusual activity.
Report any suspected fraud to the relevant bank and the police immediately.
Family members and friends are once again urged to speak with their senior citizen relatives about how to avoid being defrauded, as seniors are often targeted by swindlers.
To make a police report regarding suspected fraud, please call 211, or visit the BPS community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm/.
