Aging Well Together Partnering for a Healthy, Active Retirement Common Financial Scams Targeting the Aging Government Employee Impersonation: Legitimate government agencies never call to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment via phone. Tech Support Scams: A pop-up message on your computer, or an unsolicited call claiming your device has a virus. The "Grandparent" or Emergency Scam: Impersonating a grandchild or relative in distress to pressure you to send money immediately. Investment Scams: Promise of high, guaranteed returns with zero risk. Lottery, Sweepstakes: You are told you won a prize but must pay a "tax" or "fee". Home Repair: Unsolicited "contractors" appear at your door offering cheap repairs, take an upfront payment, and disappear without doing the work. What to Do If You Suspect a Scam Stop and Breathe: Scammers rely on panic. Take a moment to think clearly. Verify Independently: Hang up and call the person or agency back using a trusted phone number from an official statement or website. Never Share Details: Do not give out your bank account numbers, passwords, or Social Security number over the phone or email. Report It: Contact your local police and your financial institution immediately if you believe you have been targeted. Connecting Communities powered by Bethesda Aging Well Together Partnering for a Healthy , Active Retirement Common Financial Scams Targeting the Aging Government Employee Impersonation : Legitimate government agencies never call to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment via phone . Tech Support Scams : A pop - up message on your computer , or an unsolicited call claiming your device has a virus . The " Grandparent " or Emergency Scam : Impersonating a grandchild or relative in distress to pressure you to send money immediately . Investment Scams : Promise of high , guaranteed returns with zero risk . Lottery , Sweepstakes : You are told you won a prize but must pay a " tax " or " fee " . Home Repair : Unsolicited " contractors " appear at your door offering cheap repairs , take an upfront payment , and disappear without doing the work . What to Do If You Suspect a Scam Stop and Breathe : Scammers rely on panic . Take a moment to think clearly . Verify Independently : Hang up and call the person or agency back using a trusted phone number from an official statement or website . Never Share Details : Do not give out your bank account numbers , passwords , or Social Security number over the phone or email . Report It : Contact your local police and your financial institution immediately if you believe you have been targeted . Connecting Communities powered by Bethesda