Monterey, CA Elder Abuse Scams Abound

A man and woman sitting back to back.


Wired Magazine recently reminded us how easily seniors can be scammed out of their hard-earned money.  One woman picked up the phone and was told by the caller, “Someone has access to your bank accounts through Amazon, and they can take all your money. I’m calling to help.â€Â  Having been cooped up in her house for weeks as she recovered from COVID-19, she was extremely anxious.  The man said he needed information to make sure her money was safe.  She was transferred to another man who directed her to download an app so he could see what was happening on her screen.  Foolishly, the woman followed the man’s instructions to download Cash App, PayPal, Coinbase and set up a Zelle account.  In a matter of hours, the scammer had taken her social security number, date of birth, driver’s license number and about $11,000.