Police in Perry Township are stepping up efforts to protect senior citizens from the rising tide of scams targeting older adults. At a recent educational session organized by the Perry Township Police Department, seniors were warned about the increasing sophistication of fraudulent schemes designed to exploit their trust and drain their finances. The session, attended by over 80 seniors, focused on common scams and preventive measures, aiming to curb the financial losses that have plagued the elderly.
Police Chief Bryan D. Taylor explained that the event, held on September 5 at the McKinley Fraternal Order of Eagles, was part of a proactive approach to protect the township’s aging population. “They are so often the target for things that come along,” he said, acknowledging that approximately 25-30% of the community consists of individuals aged 60 and above.
Common Scams Targeting Seniors
During the session, Perry Township police Detective Danielle Paciorek and Jackson Township police Detective Jeffrey Aynes described several types of fraud that have affected local residents. Among the most notorious is a scam known as “pig butchering.” This scam typically begins with a friendly contact, often through social media. The scammer builds trust by offering an investment opportunity, sometimes even providing small dividends to maintain the ruse. However, as the victim invests more money, barriers emerge, such as demands for tax payments. Eventually, the scammer disappears with the victim’s money. “One local person lost close to $200,000,” Aynes said.
Another prevalent scheme is the “grandparent scam,” in which fraudsters impersonate a victim’s grandchild in distress, requesting large sums of money for bail. In one case, a Perry Township resident lost $15,000 after receiving a call from someone pretending to be his granddaughter’s lawyer.
AI-Driven Fraud and Social Security Scams
A growing concern for law enforcement is the use of artificial intelligence to create authentic-sounding recordings of loved ones, which can be used to defraud individuals. Paciorek warned, “AI’s not going to know your password,” advising families to establish a shared password for verification during emergencies.
Other scams involve hackers taking over social media accounts, as in a case where a Perry Township resident’s Facebook account was compromised and used to advertise fraudulent sales. Another scam involves sending unordered packages with QR codes that, when scanned, can steal personal information.
Seniors were also cautioned about scams involving the Social Security Administration. Paciorek emphasized that the real SSA will never call and threaten to suspend benefits or demand payment through wire transfers or gift cards. “If unsure, contact police, the real Social Security Administration, a family member, or a friend,” she said.
Recognizing and Reporting Fraud
Paciorek outlined several red flags that could indicate a scam, including unsolicited contact, high-pressure sales tactics, reluctance to answer questions, and demands for non-traditional forms of payment such as gift cards or cryptocurrency. She encouraged seniors to trust their instincts and reach out for help if they feel uncertain. “If we can prevent one scam or fraud from happening, it’s worth it for us,” Paciorek added.
Detective Aynes urged victims of fraud to collect as much information as possible, including usernames, phone numbers, and transaction details, and report the incident promptly. Seniors were reminded to remain vigilant, especially in an increasingly complex digital age where scams are becoming more sophisticated.
The Perry Township Police Department’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the vulnerability of older adults to financial fraud, with scammers evolving new methods to exploit their trust. As scams become more advanced, community efforts like these are essential in empowering seniors to protect themselves.