The Linn County Sheriff’s Department is warning area residents of several scams all aimed at the elderly. One of the most recent scams involved a North English woman who received a letter stating her Social Security benefits would be reduced because she is a so-called “notch victim.” The caller offered woman to get money back for her if she would send money to help get a law reversed.
Someone is also calling residents claiming they are U.S. court employees, telling residents they were picked for jury duty, and asking them to verify their names and Social Security numbers as well as asking them for credit card numbers. In another attempt at defrauding the elderly, someone is calling residents claiming Medicare is raising their premiums and cutting benefits. For a one-time fee they say you can get a national health card that would be good for life. They then ask for the victim’s bank account number.
A fraud case involving credit cards is being directed at all age groups. A group claiming to be Capital ONe is having victims log onto a website to verify credit card information, claiming they can secure card owners against fraudulent actions. According to authorities, the e-mail looks very real, but is a fraud, and residents should immediately delete the file.