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Senior scams rise – Metro US

Senior scams rise

The number of senior citizens who filed complaints with the Nassau County district attorney’s office about being scammed have more than doubled since two years ago.

And 2011 is on pace to be a breakout year for rip-off scams targeting Nassau County’s seniors, warns Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.

“These con artists think that many senior citizens are vulnerable,” Rice told Metro. “A lot of seniors may not be as computer-savvy … and they usually have money.”

According to the DA’s office, the most common scam is the “phishing scam.” The victim will receive a phone call from what they believe is a representative from their bank. They are then asked to verify their Social Security number and account numbers.

Another popular scam is when a senior will receive a call requesting they wire a large sum of money to bail a loved one or grandchild out of jail.