Navigating the Maze of Government Scams

On this episode of “Let’s Talk About Scams,” host Joyce Petrowski, founder of R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, exposes the latest scams targeting the elderly. From the classic Reader's Digest sweepstake scams to the more insidious package delivery scams, Joyce provides valuable insights into recognizing these fraudulent schemes. This episode takes a compassionate turn as it explores the emotional and psychological impact of scams on victims, particularly older adults. With a blend of practical advice and heartfelt concern, Joyce aims to arm listeners with knowledge and resources to protect themselves and their loved ones from financial exploitation.

Key Episode Takeaways

• Silence unknown callers to reduce scam calls.
• Be skeptical of sweepstakes or prize announcement calls asking for money.
• Avoid clicking links or calling back numbers from suspicious package delivery messages.
• The emotional and psychological effects of scams can be as devastating as financial losses.
• Resources and tips for scam prevention and protection.

Remember, knowledge is power—subscribe to "Let's Talk About Scams" podcast to stay updated on ways to safeguard your well-being against scams. Share what you've learned with your loved ones and stay vigilant. Stay safe and informed! Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

On this episode of “Let’s Talk About Scams,” host Joyce Petrowski, founder of R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, discusses the two prevalent scams that are currently making the rounds. First up is the “Look Who Died” scam on Facebook, a malicious attempt to exploit users’ emotions and curiosity. Following that, Joyce sheds light on “bank jugging,” a concerning trend that has prompted warnings from the Chandler Police Department. Through expert insights and actionable advice, this episode arms listeners with the knowledge needed to recognize and protect themselves and their loved ones from these deceptive practices.

Key Episode Takeaways

• The “Look Who Died” scam on Facebook uses fake obituaries to lure users into clicking malicious links.
• “Bank Jugging” involves thieves targeting individuals who have just visited a bank, exploiting their vulnerability.
• Strategies for safeguarding personal information online and while in public.
• The importance of community awareness and reporting suspicious activities to prevent scams.

Don't forget to subscribe to "Let's Talk About Scams" for more insights. Share what you've learned with your loved ones and stay vigilant. Stay safe and informed! Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

On this episode of "Let's Talk About Scams," host Joyce Petrowski, founder of R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, hears from Janet who shares a recent tech support scam that targeted a 92-year-old family member. Through Janet's story, we understand the sophisticated tactics scammers use, from alarming pop-up messages to posing as bank employees, in order to exploit vulnerabilities and instill fear. This episode not only sheds light on the emotional and financial toll such scams can take but also emphasizes the importance of vigilance, skepticism, and the support of trusted individuals in safeguarding against these digital threats.

Key Episode Takeaways

• Tech support scams can use sophisticated tactics to exploit victims, including alarming pop-up messages and posing as legitimate organizations.
• Victims may be manipulated into withdrawing large sums of money under the disguise of security threats to their financial assets.
• Emotional and psychological impacts of scams can be profound, leading to embarrassment and reluctance to seek help or disclose the scam.
• The importance of updating email addresses, using secure browsers, and implementing antivirus software to protect against scams.
• Encouraging conversations about scam awareness and prevention within families and communities is crucial.

Don't forget to subscribe to "Let's Talk About Scams" for more insights. Share what you've learned with your loved ones and stay vigilant. Stay safe and informed! Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

On this episode of "Let's Talk About Scams," host Joyce Petrowski, founder of R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, exposes the alarming resurgence of the jury duty scam! Joyce breaks down the scam's mechanics, from the initial contact—often through phone calls, texts, or emails—to the creation of a state of fear, and the pressing demand for payment to avoid arrest. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional manipulation and consulting a trusted person. This episode is packed with practical advice on verifying the legitimacy of such claims and encourages listeners to maintain healthy skepticism towards unexpected contacts. Joyce's insights are not just about protecting yourself against scams, but also about fostering a community of awareness and prevention.

Key Episode Takeaways

• Understanding the resurgence of the jury duty scam.
• Recognizing the scam's pattern: contact, emotional manipulation, and urgency.
• Importance of verifying the legitimacy of claims through official channels.
• Tips for maintaining a rational mindset during unexpected contacts.
• Encouraging community awareness and discussion to prevent scams.

Don't forget to subscribe to "Let's Talk About Scams" for more insights. Share what you've learned with your loved ones and stay vigilant. Stay safe and informed! Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

In this episode of "Let's Talk About Scams," host Joyce Petrowski, founder of R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, explores the intricate world of New Year's resolution scams, particularly those related to popular goals like losing weight and getting in shape. Joyce provides an invaluable update on gift card scams, revealing how scammers evolve their tactics to deceive consumers. Joyce dissects various fraudulent schemes, from fake weight loss products to deceptive gym memberships, and provides the tools to help listeners become their own detectives. Understand the importance of verifying product claims, recognizing too-good-to-be-true offers, and being cautious with online reviews. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to start their year informed and protected from these pervasive scams.

Key Episode Takeaways

• Evolution of gift card scams and tips to avoid being duped.
• Awareness of New Year's resolution scams, particularly in the weight loss and fitness industry.
• Importance of verifying claims and being skeptical of miraculous results promised by products.
• The need to be cautious with online reviews and ads.
• How to report suspicious activities to authorities like the FTC.

Key Resources and Links

• Federal Trade Commission reporting: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/

Don't forget to subscribe to "Let's Talk About Scams" for more insights. Share what you've learned with your loved ones and stay vigilant. Stay safe and informed! Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

In this episode of "Let's Talk About Scams," host Joyce Petrowski, founder of ROSE Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, delves into the intricate world of government scams. Joyce  breaks down how scammers impersonate various government organizations like the IRS, Social Security, and Medicare to exploit unsuspecting individuals. She emphasizes the evolution of these scams, highlighting tactics like threatening arrest warrants and the misuse of personal information. Offering practical advice and preventative measures, Joyce guides you through the landscape of these frauds, underscoring the importance of skepticism, verification, and awareness in protecting oneself against such deceitful practices.

Key Episode Takeaways

• Understanding the evolution of government scams, particularly IRS impersonation.
• Recognizing and responding to Social Security and Medicare scams.
• Importance of verifying unexpected contact from government offices.
• Tips for protecting personal information and preventing fraud.
• Encouragement to share this knowledge with loved ones to increase awareness.

Remember to stay vigilant and question unexpected contacts. Share this episode with your loved ones to spread awareness about these scams. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes like this! Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

In this special episode of "Let's Talk About Scams," host Joyce Petrowski, founder of Rose Resources Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, delves into the crucial topic of holiday scams. With the increase in online shopping and charitable donations during the festive season, Joyce provides invaluable advice on how to stay vigilant and protect yourself from various scams. From understanding the tricks scammers use on websites to tips on secure online payments and the importance of verifying charities, this episode is packed with practical information. Joyce also covers the risks associated with gift card purchases and the significance of safeguarding your personal identifiable information. The episode serves as an essential guide to enjoying a safe holiday season.

Key Episode Takeaways

• Online Shopping Safety: Verify website authenticity and ensure secure payment portals.
• Charity Scams: Use tax ID numbers for charity verification and be cautious of impersonators.
• Gift Card Precautions: Check for exposed barcodes and purchase from reputable sources.
• Phishing Email Awareness: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources and verify through official websites.
• Personal Information Security: Regularly update passwords and use multi-factor authentication.
• Credit Freeze Benefits: Protects against identity theft and fraudulent credit activities.

Resources and Links

• Rose Resources Outreach Website: www.RoseAdvocacy.org
• IRS Charity Verification: www.irs.gov
• Charity Navigator: www.charitynavigator.org

Remember, knowledge is your best defense against scams. Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams and share this episode with your loved ones to help them stay safe. And don't forget, subscribe to "Let's Talk About Scams" for more insights on protecting yourself and your family!

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

In this insightful episode of “Let’s Talk About Scams,” our host Joyce Petroski, founder of Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, delves into the world of grandparent scams. This episode is an eye-opener, explaining how scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities to trick grandparents into believing their grandchildren are in trouble, requiring immediate financial assistance. Joyce breaks down the evolution of these scams, highlighting the use of social media and artificial intelligence by scammers to make their claims more believable. She also provides practical advice on how to protect oneself from these scams, emphasizing the importance of awareness, skepticism, and verification.

Don’t forget to subscribe to “Let’s Talk About Scams” for more valuable insights. Share this episode with your friends and family to spread awareness about grandparent scams. Together, we can build a community that’s alert, informed, and resilient against scams.

Key Episode Takeaways:
- Understanding the nature of grandparent scams and their evolution over the years.
- The role of social media and AI in making these scams more convincing.
- Strategies to identify and avoid falling victim to these scams.
- The importance of verifying the authenticity of distress calls from supposed relatives.
- Tips for managing incoming calls to reduce the risk of scam exposure.

Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

In this episode of Let's Talk About Scams, Joyce Petrowski guides us through the cunning world of thech support scams, explaining how they operate and the emotional tactics scammers use to manipulate their victims. Learn about the common ploys like unexpected contacts from well-known tech companies, false virus alerts, and phony refund offers. Joyce delves into real-life scenarios, including how scammers use fear and urgency to gain access to your devices and personal information. The episode also highlights the importance of verifying suspicious contacts and maintaining healthy skepticism. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just learning, this episode is packed with practical advice to keep you and your loved ones safe from these increasingly sophisticated scams.

Key Episode Takeaways

• Understanding Tech Support Scams: Recognize how scammers impersonate reputable companies to create a sense of urgency.
• The Emotional Play: Insight into how scammers use fear and excitement to manipulate victims.
• Preventive Measures: Tips on how to verify unexpected contacts and safeguard your information.
• Real-life Scenarios: Explore how these scams play out and the FBI’s warning about their prevalence.
• Staying Informed: Emphasis on the importance of sharing knowledge to protect against scams.

Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

In this episode, Joyce Petrowski dives into the intricate world of scams, reviewing the anatomy of a scam, breaking down their anatomy into three critical components: initiating contact, creating a compelling reason to act, and requesting payment. The spotlight is on charity scams, a prevalent threat, especially during the holiday season. Scammers exploit global events, natural disasters, and conflicts to prey on emotions and solicit donations. Joyce emphasizes the importance of verification in safeguarding your contributions.

Use trusted resources like IRS.gov and CharityNavigator.org to verify charities, and search by their tax ID number for accuracy. Request a tax determination letter if you have doubts about a charity’s legitimacy. Whether donating online, over the phone, or by mail, always verify the charity’s website, phone number, and address to avoid falling victim to scams. Approach unexpected contact with skepticism, question their motives, and remember that scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age or intelligence.

Key Takeaways: 

• Verify website, phone number, and address when donating to protect yourself from charity scams.
• Charity scams surge during the holidays; scammers exploit global events to solicit donations.
• Verify charities using IRS.gov and CharityNavigator.org; search by tax ID number for accuracy.
• Request the tax determination letter if unsure about a charity’s legitimacy.
• Approach unexpected contact with skepticism, question their motives, and stay informed.
• Scams can happen to anyone, so share knowledge to protect yourself and your community.

Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.