FBI: Scam that has cost senior citizens millions now in Rochester

A scam that largely targets senior citizens , convincing them to liquidate and hand over assets, is heating up again, according to the FBI.

"The FBI has received numerous reports regarding these incidents across the country, including in the greater Rochester area," FBI officials said in an email Thursday, highlighting the scam.

According to the FBI, there were losses nationwide of more than $55 million from the scam in the second half of last year.

This is how it works:

• Someone calls, posing as a tech support, finance or government official, and claims a financial account was hacked or is at risk.
• They then to try to convince the target that they should convert assets into cash, gold, silver, or other valuables.
• The scammer then agrees to take control of the newly converted cash, or metals, and sometimes uses a courier to go to the target's home.

Here's some tips to ensure you or others you know (it's good to alert older residents) don't fall prey to the scam:

• Remember that the government or legitimate businesses would not ask you to convert assets to cash or valuables.
• Don't disclose your home address or agree to meet with unknown couriers.
• Don't allow someone unknown access to your computer. Likewise, don't click on unknown ads or pop-ups.
• Don't respond to unknown phone numbers from unknown emails or pop-ups.
• Report suspicious contacts to the FBI at ic3.gov as quickly as possible with as much information as possible.
• Victims aged 60 or over who need assistance with filing a complaint can contact the Justice Department's Elder Justice Hotline, 1-833-FRAUD-11 (or 833-372-8311).

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: FBI: Scam that has cost senior citizens millions now in Rochester