Fred Harran and Joe Hogan: Protecting Bucks seniors and standing together against fraud

May 15 marks National Senior Fraud Awareness Day – a critical reminder for all of us to stand vigilant against the pervasive threat of fraud and crime targeting our senior population.

The phone rings. It’s your grandson, his voice strained, panicked. “Grandma, I’m in trouble, I need money wired right away!” Your heart pounds. You want to help. But what if that desperate voice isn’t your grandson at all? What if a scam artist is using AI, preying on your love and trust to steal your savings? This scenario is becoming alarmingly common in Bucks County and across the nation. As your sheriff and your state representative, we are deeply concerned about the rising tide of fraud and cybercrime targeting our senior residents, and we want to address this critical issue head-on.

Bucks County, with its strong sense of community, unfortunately isn’t immune to these predatory schemes. Our seniors, who have contributed so much to our society, are often seen as vulnerable targets by criminals who exploit their good nature and trust. These fraudsters operate through various channels – phone calls, emails, online interactions – constantly adapting their tactics to steal your money or personal information. It’s a disturbing trend that erodes the security and peace of mind we all deserve, and it’s one we must tackle together, proactively and with vigilance.

Recognizing the Deceptive Tactics:

To combat these threats effectively, we must first understand how these scams work. The tactics are varied and ever-evolving, but some schemes are particularly common and harmful to seniors. These include:

• Grandparent scams: Cruel manipulations where criminals impersonate distressed loved ones, fabricating emergencies and demanding urgent financial assistance. They exploit your desire to help family, hoping you’ll send money before verifying the situation.
• IRS or government impersonation scams: Scammers falsely claim to be government agents, threatening arrest or legal action to pressure you into immediate payment of supposed debts, often via untraceable methods like gift cards.
• Tech support scams: Unsolicited contacts warn of computer viruses or security breaches, with “technicians” seeking remote access to steal data, install malware, or charge for unnecessary services.
• Romance scams: Criminals build fake online relationships to exploit seniors’ trust and loneliness for financial gain, causing both emotional and financial harm.
• Phishing emails and malicious links: Deceptive messages that appear legitimate but aim to steal login information or infect devices with malware when you click links or provide personal data.

Taking control of your security:

While these threats are real, feeling powerless is not the answer. Together, we want to highlight concrete steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your financial well-being:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited contact: Exercise caution with unexpected calls, emails, or messages requesting money or personal information. Legitimate organizations rarely operate this way.
• Verify information independently: If contacted about a family emergency, verify the situation through known contacts, not those provided by the requester.
• Never give out personal information: Protect sensitive data like Social Security numbers, bank details, and passwords. Legitimate entities won’t demand this information unexpectedly.
• Resist pressure tactics: Be wary of urgency. Legitimate requests allow time for consideration and verification.
• Use strong passwords and update software: Employ robust, unique passwords and keep antivirus and operating systems current.
• Be careful online: Avoid clicking links from unknown sources. Visit trusted websites, and look for “https” and the padlock when entering sensitive information.
• Talk to someone you trust: Discuss any uncertainties with family, friends, or your bank to help identify potential scams.

A community united for senior safety

The safety of our senior residents is a community-wide responsibility. Here in Bucks County, we – from local law enforcement led by the Sheriff’s Office, to the District Attorney’s Office, to state legislators – are committed to increasing awareness about these insidious scams and ensuring resources are available for those who may become victims.

If you believe you’ve been targeted by fraud or cybercrime, please, take action. Report it to your local police department, who are dedicated to protecting our community. The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office also stands ready to offer resources and assistance. As your state representative, Joe Hogan’s office is also available to help connect you with relevant state or local resources.

Ultimately, our strongest defense is knowledge and community vigilance. By staying informed, remaining alert, and sharing this vital information with our friends, family, and neighbors, we can build a powerful network of protection around our senior community. Together, we can push back against these predatory criminals and ensure Bucks County remains a safe and secure place where everyone can thrive, especially in their well-deserved golden years.

Fred Harran serves as Bucks County’s sheriff. Joe Hogan is state representative for Pennsylvania’s 142nd Legislative District.