Save Money Don’t be duped by these phone and email scams

Government-imposter frauds have scammed people out of at least $450 million since 2014, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Interestingly, people ages 20 to 59 are more likely to report being defrauded this way than those 60 and over, but older people tend to lose more money. The median individual reported loss was $960, but it was $2,700 for people

80 and older, the FTC said in a July report.

You can sign up for free “watchdog alerts” from AARP’S Fraud Watch Network, report scam attempts to the FTC and warn loved ones about the latest schemes, such as these three.

Government imposters: As media coverage of Irs-imposter calls increased, scammers started impersonating Social Security investigators. The crooks often spoof caller ID services into showing phone numbers for the Social Security Administration or its fraud hotline.

Password-enabled blackmail: “Sextortion” blackmail tries to convince you that your computer has been hacked and that the blackmailer is about to expose an extramarital affair, pornwatching habits or other embarrassing behavior. The blackmailer typically demands payment via bitcoin or other digital currency. The solution is not to pony up, but to hit delete.

Kidnapping scams: Crooks pretend to hold your loved one hostage, often including the sounds of someone screaming or pleading. The call may appear to come from the supposed victim’s phone number. — Nerdwallet