Senior citizens becoming larger target of scammers, say police

A warning is going out to senior citizens in the community: Folsom police are seeing a disturbing increase in the number of scams targeting older adults. Police say scammers are posing as bank representatives, businesses, or even law enforcement to pressure victims into buying gift cards, withdrawing cash, or meeting in person to exchange money. These scammers may already know personal details about their intended victims, explained police. As a word of advice, police are urging residents to not confirm any personal information to a caller trying to inflict pressure; the safest response is to hang up immediately rather than give any information. Scammers commonly use "spoofed" phone numbers to appear as trusted agencies or companies. If a call seems suspicious, end the call and contact the organization using its official phone number. If someone claims to be with law enforcement, ask for a name and badge number, then end the call and contact the agency's non-emergency line to confirm the caller's identity, say police. Banks are trained to recognize potential scams. If bank staff advise against a withdrawal, that advice should be taken seriously. Additional tips to stay safe: Do not click on links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Never share personal information, such as bank details, passwords, or Social Security numbers. Talk with friends and family about suspicious interactions to help protect others. Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam or encounters suspicious activity should report it to the Folsom Police Department by calling the non-emergency line at 916-461-6400, Option 1.