Jury Scams

Make-A-Wish Foundation® - Chain Letter Scam

Golden Grant Scam

Other Scams Against the Elderly

Golden Grant Scam:

Such grants ("government grants" a/k/a "free money") are available through the following scheme:
  • The elder calls a toll-free number (888-558-8881) and an operator explains the process and then asks for the caller's telephone number.
  • The elder is then called back by someone (a confederate or associate or co-illusionist -- pick your favorite term) who will then obtain the elder's credit card number. The one-time charge is $340 or maybe more or maybe less. But once they have your credit card number....!!!!
  • The promise is that elders will receive assistance in applying for ("free") federal grants from a variety of sources.
  • The basic scams are outlined at www.scammer-alert.com/govt-grants.html

Recent and ongoing scams against the elderly:

  • An elderly man's son was told his father had been swindled out of a large amount of Social Security money. The caller told the son, if he cooperated with her, he could recover a portion of the lost money. An 800 number was given to the man. When he later tried to call the number, it was found disconnected.
  • Another elder reported she had been questioned by a female caller about fraudulent activities on either her bank or credit cards. The caller identified charges against the accounts, but said she was unsure of which accounts they were made to. The caller asked the woman to verify her account information over the phone. The caller also told the woman a lawyer was working on the case and the charges could be fixed for a fee.
  • Another common scam involves telling residents they have won, or can win, prizes if they purchase magazines.
  • According to the attorney general's office, it is "never, ever" necessary to purchase anything to enter a legitimate sweepstakes. The attorney general's site also warns consumers not to be swayed by celebrities, stating: "They are paid good money to promote the sweepstakes and their participation does not enhance your chance of winning anything."
  • Seniors should also be wary of another scam that strikes almost every year, usually in the spring and summer. It involves two or more men who arrive outside your home in a truck claiming to be from the water department. The men tell residents they need to read a meter in the cellar. While the resident is kept busy by one, the other steals items or cases the home for a possible robbery.
  • The attorney general's office also gives tips for protecting yourself against other scams:
  • Never give out personal information, such as numbers for credit cards, bank accounts or your Social Security number unless you are familiar with the company you are dealing with and you initiated the contact.
  • Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door and offers home improvement services. If you choose to have work done on your home, contact the attorney general's office and use its "Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracting" to find a legitimate contractor.
  • If you decide to donate to a charity, ask for something in writing for you to review. If they are legitimate, "chances are they have written materials for this purpose."

If you have further questions or concerns about a charity, sweepstakes or possible scam, you can call the MA Attorney General's Office or the AG's Elder Affairs line at (888) AG-Elder (243-5337). You may also contact the Executive Office of Elder Affairs at 617-727-7750 or visit the Executive Office of Elder Affairs website at www.mass.gov/elders.