No matter what the scammers say when they initiate the “Grandparent Scam,” the introduction is sure to spike emotion. That is what they hope. They call claiming to be one of your most cherished loved ones—your grandchild—and ignite fear that those you care about are in dire need. With emotions running high and deep, how can you not engage with the call, stay on the line, and find out more? You are worried and feel helpless because all you have to validate this story is the phone in your hand and the fear of what if. What if you do nothing and your grandchild really was in trouble?
Author: Crystal Baldwin
Crystal manages the publication and distribution of the CAP Connection blog.
Help Stop Elder Abuse: Report It
Contributing Writer: Crystal Baldwin I can’t tell you how sad the topic of elder abuse and neglect makes me. Since I was a young girl, I loved the elders in my life and maintained such deep respect for them and their life experience. Unfortunately, “each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected,… Continue reading Help Stop Elder Abuse: Report It
Extortion Email Scams
On April 27, 2020, our office issued a scam alert to warn about an email extortion scam that has been contacting Vermonters. The email threatens exposure of compromising home video and pictures, unless you pay, usually in Bitcoin. The email claims you have been hacked and may reference a current or former password you may… Continue reading Extortion Email Scams
Is price gouging in your community?
When I went to the pharmacy today, there was a handwritten sign on the entrance, “No more hand sanitizer and face masks.” Like many of you, my email inbox has been flooded with precautionary warnings of the COVID-19 virus and advice as to what people can do to stay healthy. With very few reports of… Continue reading Is price gouging in your community?
Gift Card Scams on the Rise in Vermont
The Consumer Assistance Program has recorded a 220% increase in gift card scams with loss reports since December. Gift card scams take many forms; however, all request a gift card as payment and for the numbers on the back of the card to be provided to the scammer. Be in the know: Using gift cards… Continue reading Gift Card Scams on the Rise in Vermont