Pappas hosts discussion about scams targeting seniors

CONCORD — Federal and state officials said emails rather than telephones have become the most popular way for predators to try and steal the identity of New Hampshire senior citizens.

Derick Rill, a congressional relations specialist with the Federal Trade Commission, said consumers should never make a purchase or enter into any agreement online or on the phone with someone that they did not solicit in the first place.

“If you didn’t initiate the contact and they are asking you for money or personal information, it is a scam. Here’s the tip off for rip-offs; if you didn’t initiate, we should investigate it,” Rill said.

Bryan Townsend, senior assistant attorney general, said thanks to artificial intelligence these scammers can make it sound like you are talking to a friend or a relative, not a predator looking to steal your assets.

“We used to ask, ‘Does it sound like your family member,’ but now so many voices are out there to be captured by predators,” Townsend said.

“When in doubt, hang up the phone and then call them back on a number that you know and trust.”

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., hosted a discussion on this growing threat.

The New Hampshire Sunday News reported last month that new FBI statistics show more than 400 New Hampshire residents 60 and older fell victim to scams in 2023 at a loss of more than $11 million.

Pappas said Congress has passed laws to crack down on this fraud, but it remains a serious problem.

“We do need to sustain and continue to refine the resources that are out there,” Pappas said.