Scammers Target Seniors, But Solano County Fights Back

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Scammers are everywhere—including Solano County—and they’re more clever than ever. With the advent of new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), sophisticated fraudsters are able and willing to do nearly anything for a quick buck, from down the street or across the globe. Are Solano residents prepared to fight back?

Solano County’s Older & Disabled Adult Services (ODAS)—the county division responsible for Adult Protective Services, In-Home Support Services and much more—is on call every day to help caregivers and seniors identify, stop and report common scams.

That’s why their team launched the Solano Senior Fraud Prevention Center, a repository for all the information residents might need to prevent financial elder abuse, empower seniors and stop scammers in their tracks. This new resource, launched early this year, is available online today at SolanoScamCenter.org.

“ODAS’ dedicated team is prepared to assist seniors with any of their concerns,” says Gwendolyn Gill, Health Services Administrator at Solano County ODAS. “If you’re a victim of a scam and don’t know where to turn, please give us a call. We can help you file a report, contact law enforcement and seek a resolution to your problem. There’s no shame in fighting back.”

Since the best cure is an ounce of prevention, ODAS offers five tips to prevent common scams in Solano County:

1. Double-check the source of “government” communications. The Social Security Administration, IRS, VA, Medicare and California Franchise Tax Board never threaten criminal action, demand an immediate payment or ask for personal information. If a letter from one of these agencies looks suspicious, call their official phone number to verify.
2. Watch for fake social media identities and “sweetheart scams.” It’s easy to create a fake social media account. All a criminal needs is a photo and a name to replicate someone’s identity on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and dating sites. Then, they can send a message to all your friends asking for money, a donation—or even a date! Always check with friends via phone to verify their identity and take new relationships slow before sharing intimate information or money.
3. Bring skepticism to every prize or investment offer. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. If you’ve been offered a “rare investment opportunity” or “won a big prize” be skeptical. No legitimate sweepstake requires you to pay any funds up front—taxes are always paid on your annual tax return. All investments hold risks, but those promising “huge returns” are often scams.
4. Be wary of “urgent” notices that claim your accounts or computer have been “compromised.” If an email, text or pop-up notice on your computer asks you to click a link to remove a virus or secure a bank account, double-check the communication is real. If an email, it should come from your bank’s domain (i.e., @chase.com) not a personal email address (@yahoo.com) or a lookalike (@chaise.net). Don’t respond or click on a texted link, instead, call your bank to follow up. If a pop-up, close your browser, then access your anti-virus software directly. Never share your Social Security number or credit card information.
5. Monitor your finances and protect your Power of Attorney. While we all want to trust our family and friends, some have been caught withdrawing from loved ones’ bank accounts or filing fraudulent Power of Attorney documents. Check your bank accounts for suspicious charges often and report them to the bank or police.

If there is a threat, a deadline or an amazing offer, know you may be dealing with a scammer. To learn more or report a crime visit SolanoScamCenter.org.

Mike Watson is the Social Services Manager for Solano County’s Older & Disabled Adult Services (ODAS). ODAS is the county’s division responsible for programs such as Adult Protective Services, In-Home Support Services, Public Authority, Public Guardian and the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging. Learn more at solanocounty.com/depts/hss/odas/mission.asp.

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