Borough Of Ellwood City Alerts Residents Of Growing Scams Affecting Seniors

The Borough of Ellwood City Mayor Anthony J. Court would like to inform area residents all about a growing scam that has been affecting seniors across the country as well as right here in our area.

According to a press release made available by the borough, these scams are targeting elderly individuals by impersonating their grandchildren or other family members, creating a sense of urgency, and ultimately tricking people into sending money. Officers at the Ellwood City Police Department have handled various calls concerning such incidents.

Here’s how the scam typically works:

1. Impersonation: Scammers call or email claiming to be your grandchild, or another family member, often saying they’ve been arrested or involved in an accident while traveling or living far away. Scammers may also impersonate an attorney pretending to represent the family member in the case.
2. Creating Urgency: Scammers explain that they need money immediately to be bailed out, pay medical bills, or cover other expenses. They often ask you not to tell anyone, particularly other family members, to avoid drawing attention.
3. Emotional Appeal: Scammers may become emotional or panic, making it harder for you to think clearly. They may even urge you to act quickly to avoid consequences.
4. Money Request: The scammer will ask you to wire money or provide gift card information, which they can then easily access and use.

It’s important to stay calm and follow these steps if you receive such a call or message:

1. Don’t Rush: Take your time to assess the situation. Scammers rely on urgency to cloud your judgment.
2. Verify the Story: Hang up and call your grandchild or another family member directly to confinn if they are truly in trouble. Don’t rely on the contact information provided by the caller.
3. Avoid Wiring Money: Never send money through wire transfers, gift cards, or any method of payment that the caller suggests. These are often untraceable and are preferred by scammers.
4. Report Suspicious Calls: If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, report the incident to local authorities, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the AARP’s fraud prevention team. They can guide you on the next steps.

Please don’t feel embarrassed if you ever fall victim to such a scam. These criminals are skilled at manipulating emotions and creating convincing stories. The key is to stay aware, ask questions, and never make financial decisions in a rush.

If you have any questions or need help with verifying any suspicious calls, feel free to reach out to the Ellwood City Police Department or your local agency.