.jpg)
Elder Fraud
Elder financial abuse is on the rise nationwide. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints for adults 60+ in 2024. Some of the most common types of scams are listed below. First Bank of Pike is committed to protecting our customers. If you think you are the victim of a scam, please call or come in to a branch to talk with our Customer Service Representatives who can provide resources and assistance. You can also report suspected abuse at 1-866-552-4464 or online at APS.com
- Romance Scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to capitalize on their victims’ desire to find companions.
- Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues. The scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.
- Grandparent scam: A type of confidence scam where criminals pose as a relative—usually a child or grandchild—claiming to be in immediate financial need.
- Government impersonation scam: Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments.
- Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam: Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations to gain victims’ trust. Or they claim their targets have won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which they can collect for a “fee.”
- TV/radio scam: Criminals target potential victims using illegitimate advertisements about legitimate services, such as reverse mortgages or credit repair.
- Family/caregiver scam: Relatives or acquaintances of the elderly victims take advantage of them or otherwise get their money.
Cybersecurity Awareness
Online banking is easy and convenient but can leave you open to fraud. These simple steps can help protect you online :
- Update your software - perform updates as soon as they become available or set automatic updates
- Use STRONG passwords - use a RANDOM string of mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols. Do not reuse passwords.
- Turn on multifactor authentication - this provides an extra layer of protection.
- Think before you click - stay cautious! Don't click on unknown links you receive by text or email.
- Check for secure websites: Look for "https://" in the URL and a lock icon in the browser's status bar before entering personal information online.
- Monitor your accounts: Check your online account balances and paper statements frequently to spot any unauthorized transactions immediately.
- Secure your personal information: Limit the personal details you share online, as hackers can use them to guess passwords or answer security questions.
Scammers are contacting Georgia families claiming they can quickly release a loved one from jail for a fee. These fraudsters demand payment through CashApp, Venmo, gift cards, or wire transfers, which are difficult to trace or recover.
How the Scam Works
- Scammers pretend to be bail bond agents, law enforcement, or court staff
- Claim a loved one is jailed or there's a bond issue
- Scammers demand money via CashApp, Venmo, gift cards, wire transfers, or other peer-to-peer apps
- Spoof official phone numbers to appear legitimate
- Pressure to act fast without verifying
- Callers tell you to stay on the phone or keep the situation secret.
- Requests for money via CashApp, Venmo, gift cards, wire transfers, or other peer-to-peer apps
- Independently look up the number to the jail or court to verify claims.
- Use official bonding companies listed on the Sheriff’s Office website
- Contact the payment app (CashApp, Venmo, Zelle) immediately to report fraud.
- Contact your bank to attempt recovery and freeze suspicious activity
- Report scams to local law enforcement.