Protect your loved ones from phone scams

Many of us breathed a sigh of relief when we heard that some of the key people involved in the widespread CRA scam were arrested. But that doesn’t mean we’re safe from other phone scams and robocalls out there.

While everyone is at risk of fraud, seniors can be especially vulnerable. You can help protect your loved ones from fraudsters hoping to steal their money or financial information by sharing these tips:

— Know that reputable organizations rarely ask for your personal information through unsolicited phone, email or text contact.

— Let communications from unknown callers go to voicemail. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message.

— Avoid providing your personal information over the phone, via text message, email or the internet.

— Take time to verify the story, whether it’s an airline saying you’ve won a vacation or someone claiming they’re a “grandchild” who needs money for an emergency. Scammers count on victims to act quickly based on excitement or fear, not facts.

— Be suspicious if someone asks for copies of your passport, driver’s license, social insurance number or birth date, especially if you don’t know the person making the request.

You might get a call from someone claiming that you have a virus on your computer, or that you owe taxes or there’s been fraudulent activity in your bank accounts. Know that legitimate financial organizations will very rarely call you directly. Don’t take a chance. Hang up and call the organization yourself using a number from a trustworthy source, such as the phone book, the organization’s website, or even invoices and account statements.