One the heels of a Gainesville woman reportedly losing $10,000 to con artists this week, comes an urgent warning about scammers, especially those targeting seniors.
Stephens County (Toccoa) Sheriff Rusty Fulbright says his office has seen a “significant” increase in reports of “sophisticated” financial scams targeting the elderly. In recent weeks, his office has seen a rise in “impersonation scams,” where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officers, court systems, financial institutions or even family members in distress to steal life savings.
“Our seniors are the pillar of this county, and it is unacceptable that criminals are exploiting their trust and kindness,” said Sheriff Fulbright. “These predators use fear and urgency to bypass common sense. We are calling on all family members to step in, start a conversation, and put safeguards in place before the phone rings.”
He notes that current scams often involve callers claiming there is a warrant for a relative’s arrest or that a bank account has been “compromised.” They frequently demand payment via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards – methods that legitimate agencies will never request. Recently, scammers have persuaded victims to withdraw large amounts of cash and deliver it directly to or have it picked up by unknown third parties, he said.
To protect your loved ones, the Sheriff’s Office recommends the following financial safeguards if your bank allows:
Establish a “Trusted Contact”: Ensure your loved one has named a secondary contact on their bank accounts. Financial institutions can contact you if they notice unusual withdrawal patterns.
Enable Real-Time Transaction Alerts: Set up automated text or email alerts for any transaction exceeding a specific amount (e.g., $200) to ensure immediate visibility.
The “Family Code Word”: Use a secret phrase known only to your family. With AI voice-cloning technology becoming more common, a code word is the only way to verify a relative truly is who they say they are during an emergency call.
Inquiry-Only Access: Some banks offer “view-only” access for adults and children, allowing you to monitor for fraud without taking away their financial independence.
Sheriff Fulbright reminds everyone:
The Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call you to demand money over the phone.
Hang up on any caller who pressures you to stay on the line or keep the call a secret.
Verify independently by calling our office directly at (706) 886-2525 if you receive a suspicious “legal” notice.
“Communication is the best defense,” said Sheriff Fulbright. “Talk to your parents and grandparents today. Let them know it’s okay to hang up on anyone asking for money.”