U.S. Attorney warns seniors to press the pause button before sending others money

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – Criminals scamming the elderly are good at making them believe the need is urgent, and that they must send money right away.

They might say their dog needs emergency vet care.

Or they might pretend to be your grandchild, in jail and in need of bail money.

They often say you’ve got to make the payment by the close of business today.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld urges people to pause, take a deep breath and before doing anything, call someone you trust for advice

Should you, in fact, send money to this person you’ve never met. Should you send money to another state because you believe because you believe your grandchild’s in trouble. You should try to call your grandchild! Or you should try to call that grandchild’s parent or someone else in their life before you rush to the bank, withdraw money or rush to the bank and try to wire money. That happens every day.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld
Northern District of West Virginia

He says never send money to anyone you’ve only met online or on the phone. If you haven’t met them in person, don’t send them money. Don’t click on a link or attachment in an email. That could allow criminals access to your devices.

Ihlenfeld says it’s only natural to rush to help someone you believe is in trouble.

But in his words, press the pause button, and find out more.

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