Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Scams

Here are answers to a few common questions that can help clarify how to handle potential scams.

Why do scammers always ask for gift cards?

Scammers demand payment in gift cards because it’s like sending cash. Once they have the numbers from the back of the card, they can quickly spend the money online, often converting it into cryptocurrency. The transactions are almost impossible to trace, and the money is virtually unrecoverable. No legitimate business or government agency will ever demand payment in the form of gift cards.

Is it possible to get my money back after being scammed?

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to recover money lost in a scam. This is why prevention is so important. Scammers use methods that are specifically designed to be fast and irreversible. While you should always report the fraud to your bank and law enforcement, the chances of recovery are slim. This reality underscores the importance of being able to recognize and avoid a scam before any money changes hands.

How can I know for sure if a call from the Social Security Administration is real?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will, in very rare cases, call you, but there are strict rules they follow. Generally, they will only call if you have recently contacted them and are expecting a call back. They will never threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask for your personal financial details over the phone. Their employees will not promise a benefit increase in exchange for a fee. If you receive an unexpected call, hang up and call the SSA’s official, publicly listed number yourself to verify.