WHATELY, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Scammers are getting more clever with localized details to persuade victims to pay them. Recently an area resident was contacted by a scammer claiming to be a staff member at the South County Senior Center requesting financial information. Avoid scams by resisting pressure to act immediately to unexpected requests, never give financial information in these situations and stop to talk to someone you trust.
More tips on scam awareness and prevention from the Federal Trade Commission:
Four Signs of a Scam
- Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know
- Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE
- Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately
- Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way
How to Avoid a Scam
- Block unwanted calls and text messages
- Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect
- Resist the pressure to act immediately
- Know how scammers tell you to pay
- Stop and talk to someone you trust