In this episode, ConsumerMan Herb Weisbaum has urgent, important advice regarding scam calls. Any of us can be scammed!
If you find yourself being pressured by a caller asking for personal information such as a bank card or Social Security number, or insisting you pay a bill with gift cards, HANG UP! These are professional criminals. They know how to use emotion and fear to get consumers to do what they demand.
“There’s almost nothing in this world I can think of that has to be done instantaneously or it’s gone forever,” Herb warns.
In reference to a caller pressuring you, “You can always go back. You can always pick it up later. Anybody tells you ‘it’s now or never,’ or ‘you need to give me your Social Security number,’ or ‘give me that card number now or it’s over,’ just say ‘Bye!'”
“There’s nothing wrong with hanging up. You don’t have to be polite. There’s a feeling of empowerment with hanging up. They’re criminals. They’re the lowest form of being on Earth and have no conscience whatsoever. They would steal money from their mother.”
“If you’re not sure about something, call and ask someone. Talk to your more cyber- savvy child. Talk to your grandkid. Talk to a trusted neighbor or friend,” encourages Herb. “Contact the Better Business Bureau. Call the state Attorney General’s office, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network.” These are people you can check with.
What Do I Do If I Suspect Elder Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation? If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult, call 911 or your local adult protective services agency. In Washington State, call 866-END-HARM.
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