As the population ages, senior citizens have become a primary target for scammers and fraudsters. These scams can take many forms, from phishing emails to telemarketing calls to in-person solicitations. Senior citizens may be particularly vulnerable to these scams due to their age and potentially limited experience with modern technology.

It is important to be aware of the most common frauds and scams targeting Senior Citizens and to know how to protect themselves.

The Top Frauds and Scams Targeting Senior Citizens:

1. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are a common type of scam that target senior citizens. These scams involve criminals sending fake emails or texts claiming to be from a legitimate company or organization, such as a bank or government agency. The emails or texts may contain links or attachments that, when clicked on, can install malware on the victim’s device or steal personal information.

Senior citizens may be particularly vulnerable to these scams due to their age and potentially limited experience with modern technology. It is important for seniors to be aware of phishing scams and to be cautious about any unsolicited emails or texts that they receive, as well as not clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

2. Telemarketing Scams

Telemarketing scams are another common type of scam that target senior citizens. These scams often involve criminals posing as legitimate companies or organizations and trying to sell products or services that are either fake or significantly overpriced. For example, a scammer may call a senior citizen claiming to be from a well-known computer company and offer to fix a computer problem for a fee. The senior citizen may agree to pay the fee, but the scammer never actually performs the service or provides a refund.

In addition to selling fake or overpriced products, telemarketing scams may also involve criminals attempting to obtain personal information from the victim, such as their social security number or bank account information. They may claim that this information is needed in order to process a payment or provide a service, but in reality, they are using the information to commit identity theft or fraud.

3. In-Person Solicitations

Scammers may also try to approach seniors in person, either at their homes or in a public place. These solicitations can take the form of fake charities, home repair scams, or “investment opportunities.” Seniors should be wary of anyone who approaches them in person and tries to solicit money or personal information.

4. Investment Scams

Investment scams often involve criminals offering unrealistic returns on investments or selling fake or worthless investment products. These scams can be particularly tempting for seniors who may be looking for ways to supplement their retirement income. Seniors should be cautious about any investment opportunities and should do their research before committing any money.

5. Lottery Scams

Lottery scams involve criminals claiming that the victim has won a large sum of money in a lottery, often an international lottery that they did not enter. The victim is then told that they must pay a fee in order to receive their prize, which may be in the form of a check or wire transfer.

These fees are often disguised as taxes or other charges. Seniors should be aware that they cannot win a lottery that they did not enter and should not send any money to claim a prize.

Also Read: 5 Top Investment Options for Senior Citizens in Nigeria

6. Internet Scams

Internet scams, such as “419” scams or “advance fee” scams, often involve criminals pretending to be a legitimate business or individual and requesting a fee upfront in exchange for a promised product or service.

These scams can take many forms, including fake job offers or fake lottery winnings. Seniors should be cautious about any unsolicited offers or requests for payment and should do their research before committing any money.

7. BVN Scams

BVN scams, or Bank Verification Number scams, are a type of fraud that targets individuals in Nigeria. The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is a unique identification number that is assigned to individuals who have an account with a bank in Nigeria. It is used to verify the identity of bank account holders and to prevent fraud.

BVN scams often involve criminals pretending to be from a bank or government agency and requesting that the victim provide their BVN or other personal information. The scammer may claim that this information is needed for account verification or to update account information, but in reality, they are using the information to commit identity theft or fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

There are several steps that seniors can take to protect themselves from fraud and scams:

1. Stay informed: Stay up to date on the latest frauds and scams targeting seniors by reading articles and information from trusted sources.
2. Be wary of unsolicited communications: Don’t trust emails or texts from unknown sources and be cautious about giving out personal information over the phone.
3. Do your research: Research any investment opportunities or charities before committing any money.
4. Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts, and consider using two-factor authentication when available.
5. Be cautious about unsolicited offers: Don’t agree to make a purchase or donation on the spot and be wary of any unsolicited offers or requests for payment.
6. Don’t trust unsolicited emails: Be cautious about any emails or messages from unknown sources, especially those that request personal information or payment.
7. Use reputable websites: When shopping online or making transactions, use reputable websites and be sure to check for secure connections.
8. Be cautious about giving out personal information: Don’t give out personal information, such as your bank account or bank verification number, to anyone online.
9. Use caution with online job offers: Be wary of any online job offers that seem too good to be true or that request a fee upfront. Do your research and verify the legitimacy of the company before committing to any job.

Conclusion

Scammers and fraudsters often target senior citizens in Nigeria, using tactics such as phishing scams, telemarketing scams, and investment scams to defraud them. It is important for seniors in Nigeria to be aware of these scams and to know how to protect themselves.

By being aware and taking preventive measures, senior citizens can protect themselves from falling victim to scams and fraud, safeguard their personal and financial information, and enjoy a secure and financially stable retirement.