Thought this is worth posting considering that most boppers are
vulnerable due to their age and gullibility then this serves as a timely
seasonal warning esp with related CT and 'Fake News' and a forum mod
that encourages the posting of conspiracy theory and similar scam news.
Worried a relative or friend is being targeted by scammers? Vicky Shaw
seeks expert advice on tackling this tricky topic.
As Christmas draws nearer, many of us are looking forward to having a
catch-up with family members or friends we haven't seen in a while.
But, with fraudsters targeting people with cold calls, by post, online and
even on the doorstep, mutual insurer Royal London is urging families to
keep a lookout over the festive season for signs that loved ones may
have fallen victim to a scam. While people of all ages can be targeted,
those who may be suffering from loneliness could be particularly
vulnerable, says Royal London.
Helen Morrissey, a personal finance specialist at the firm, says: "Families
have become increasingly geographically dispersed and may not see
each other as often as they would like, and so telltale signs might be
missed. Making visits over the festive season can prove to be an
important opportunity to make sure all is well with a loved one."
So how can you spot signs that a loved one may have been targeted by
scammers, and what can you do about it? Here are some tips from Royal
London, who've produced a 'Good with your Money' guide on the issue...
What signs should you watch out for?
While many of us get unwanted junk mail from time to time, victims of
mail scams can receive large quantities of letters from scammers,
promising fake prizes, for example. Similarly, once a scam target's details
have been passed around criminals, they could also find themselves
receiving lots of cold calls.
If someone mentions a "great investment opportunity" they've been told
about, this could also be a warning sign, as many scammers also reel
their victims in with promises of "high returns", often in unusual assets or
based abroad. A general rule of thumb is that if something sounds like it
is too good to be true then it usually is.
How can you start a conversation with someone about your suspicions
that they may be being scammed?
This can be difficult, as they may feel they have chosen a great
investment opportunity, or they may feel they have built up a good
relationship with the scammer. They may also feel defensive or
embarrassed, so you could be worried about an argument being
triggered.
Royal London says it's important the person you're concerned about
doesn't feel they are being judged. One way of tackling the tricky subject
could be to find a recent news story about someone being scammed as a
way of starting a conversation about how people can protect themselves.
By keeping the conversation relatively light and neutral, you may find the
loved one you're concerned about starts to open up. You may not get the
whole story from them at once, but try to keep the conversation flowing,
rather than bombarding them with questions.
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