N.H., Maine phone scam targets elderly
Sunday, October 5, 2014 6:27 am
CONCORD - New Hampshire State Police are looking to raise public awareness about a telephone scam that targets seniors and has caused devastating financial and emotional harm. The scam has victimized elderly residents throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, resulting in losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars. New Hampshire residents are currently being targeted by this scam. The scam starts with a phone call claiming that you have won the lottery and/or a car; all you need to do is pay a transfer fee to collect the winnings. The scammers prey on your emotions, gain your trust and coerce you into providing personal information and sending large sums of money. Victims are currently being instructed to purchase prepaid money cards such as a Green Dot MoneyPakCard or a Readydebit Card at their local store. The scammers give step by step instructions where to find the cards in the store, which specific card to purchase and what cash amount to load onto the prepaid card. Simple tips on preventing phone scams:
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