Home Security Scam Targets Elderly
August 5, 2010 – 5:24 pm
When you answer the phone you never really know who could be on the other end. Some of us are fortunate enough to have caller ID, but that’s not always 100 percent accurate. People can easily pretend to be someone else or a part of a company, and this is what is happening in Dorset, which is the U.K.
In June 2010 there were 30 reported incidents of bogus home security firms contacting individuals in Dorset. Currently, police and Trading Standards are warning the public and encourage them to answer cold calls with caution. These suspicious individuals who are calling and claiming to be someone else are even going as far as saying they are with the Dorset Police. What makes this story worse is that these callers seem to be targeting Dorset residents who are 80 years and older, and they question homeowners about their home security issues.
Incidents like this can happen to you or even an elderly family member living in your home, which is why it’s important to be as cautious as you can when answering the ringing phone. Below are some tips that you should share with your loved ones.
- Screen your calls all of the time. If you’re not expecting someone to call, just let it ring and wait for the caller to leave a message. Let your friends and family know that you’re being more cautious and to leave you a message when you don’t answer.
- Add the caller ID feature to your phone bill. This add-on isn’t too expensive, and it will give you a heads up on who is calling.
- Set your answering machine up so it has a generic message. Some machines are pre-recorded, which is nice especially if you live alone. Surprisingly, you can learn a lot from people’s answering machine message, because families often pitch in to create the message together.
- Monitor the information that you provide the caller. As soon as you’re suspicious, be direct and let them know that you’re on to them and hang up the phone. Never let them know your personal information.
Who knew telephones could be so dangerous, right? Well, whenever you answer an unknown number, always keep this news story in mind, because it’s very easy to accidentally leak information that a scammer can find useful.
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