A retired couple in Peachtree City, Georgia, were recently scammed out of more than $800,000 when they responded to a pop-up message on their computer that said they had been hacked.
The pop-up message gave a phone number and instructed them to call immediately. They were told their bank account was being used for illegal activities and they would be arrested unless they paid money.
When you visit websites, you may encounter fraudulent pop-up warnings that say your computer has a virus or has been hacked. Some will even display phone numbers. Never call these numbers. Real security warnings will never ask you to call a phone number, according to the FTC. Instead, turn off the computer and restart.
If you contact or are contacted by a person who says he or she is a government employee, call the supposed agency yourself. Never respond to requests for money, especially in bitcoin or gift cards, and don't respond to requests for wire transfers. Only scammers want money in bitcoin or cash or gift cards.
Allyson Good curates senior living, health, and family content. She is formerly the Managing Editor of Active Life, a print newspaper published in 2016-2017 for seniors, choosing practical articles on health, money, safety, and everyday living for older readers. She is also an avid gardener and offers up Garden Hints and Tips on a regular basis.
