Chambana Sun

Although receiving scam phone calls is annoying, they can cause harm for the targeted elderly. Rep. Scott Bennett (D-Danville) is hosting an event to provide them with education on scam calls.

“Scammers are getting more and more creative over the phone and internet, and they’re targeting older Illinoisans’ wallets,” Bennett said.

CNBC reported Americans lost $29.8 billion to phone scams over the past year.

The event is scheduled from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on April 20 at the Danville Public Library. Representatives of Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office will attend.

USA Today suggests hanging up if you hear a taped message. It also reminds readers the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service won’t ask for money over the phone but via mail.

“Businesses are using the voice call more than ever to reach customers and the public are picking up the phone to connect with friends, family and colleagues,” Hiya CEO Alex Algard said in a report. “At the same time, this crucial communication tool is being hijacked by hackers and scammers, exploiting our need to feel connected and informed.”

Individuals are urged to call the Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Hotline through the Attorney General's Office if they suspect their loved one has been a victim of fraud. The hotline number is 1-800-243-5377 or 1-800-964-3013 (TTY).

The Federal Trade Commission noted some scams are about extended car warranties and advance fee loans.

Scammers can use the internet to make calls from all over the world,” the FTC wrote. “They don’t care if you’re on the National Do Not Call Registry. That’s why your best defense against unwanted calls is call blocking.”

The National Council on Aging outlined the top 10 scams targeting the elderly: 

– Government imposter scams

– Grandparent scams

– Medicare or health insurance scams

– Computer and tech support scams

– Lottery scams

– Robocalls/Phone scams

– Romance Scams

– Internet/Email fraud

– Elder financial abuse

– Charity scams