How To Avoid Scams

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health. 

This week I invited Sheriff Jeff Cassidy—an exceptional leader and a good friend—to join me for an episode focused on something impacting many in our community: scams targeting our older generations. This isn’t just about health, but about protecting your livelihood, well-being, and peace of mind. Too many of my patients, friends, and family have encountered scams, sometimes with devastating losses, and it’s time we start talking directly and practically about how to avoid them.

In our conversation, Jeff gave eye-opening insight into the sophisticated world of modern scams. We discussed how criminals, many operating like call centers overseas, spend their days targeting vulnerable people, especially the elderly. They use believable phone numbers, social engineering, and now even artificial intelligence to mimic voices or steal online identities. These criminals are relentless—once one number fails, they move right to the next, hoping to catch someone off guard with messages about unpaid tolls, fake warrants, or family emergencies. Law enforcement will never contact you for money to avoid an arrest or to rescue a family member—that’s extortion, pure and simple.

We also covered practical prevention: don’t respond to suspicious messages, never give out your bank information, and always hang up and call your local law enforcement agency if you’re in doubt, using a trusted number. Today’s scams are more sophisticated than ever, and they prey on isolation, lack of technology savvy, and trust. Tools like password managers, identity theft protection, and regularly updating your passwords can offer another layer of defense. Sometimes, the simplest solutions—like ignoring numbers you don’t recognize or double-checking with a friend or family member—make all the difference. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

PODCAST NOTES

• Scammers are skilled at identifying and targeting the elderly because they typically have less experience with rapidly changing technology, making them especially susceptible to online, text, and phone-based scams. Many elderly individuals may find it difficult to distinguish between legitimate messages and fraudulent solicitations, which can lead to significant financial losses, as seen in heartbreaking examples where entire life savings are stolen.

• Modern scammers use a range of tactics to fool their victims, including urgent or threatening language in phone calls, text messages, and emails. They often claim that the recipient owes money for things like missing a toll, skipping jury duty, or having an outstanding warrant, and then demand immediate payment or personal information, playing on fear and confusion to push people into making hasty decisions.

• One critical point stressed by Jeff Cassidy is that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never ask for money over the phone, through text, or via kiosks to clear alleged citations, drop warrants, or secure the release of a family member. Any request for payment made in these ways is a red flag and should be recognized as a scam. In fact, law enforcement simply doesn’t operate that way, and such tactics are classified as extortion.

• Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated with their technology, often “spoofing” local area codes or even the numbers of friends and family members to make calls look more legitimate. This can trick unsuspecting individuals into answering the phone and believing the caller is someone from their own community or trusted circle, further increasing the risk of falling for the scam.

• The use of artificial intelligence by scammers is on the rise and represents a new frontier in fraud. AI can now be harnessed to mimic voices, generate realistic fake photographs, and create almost undetectable impersonations of real people. This means criminals can imitate family members or officials with alarming accuracy, making it even more important to verify the identity of anyone asking for money or sensitive information.

• The best form of protection is to avoid engaging with unsolicited messages and calls altogether. If you receive a suspicious text, email, or call—especially one involving requests for money or personal information—do not respond. The safest course is to check in with a trusted family member or contact your local law enforcement directly using a known, non-emergency number before taking any action. Reporting suspicious activity can help prevent future scams and protect others in your community.

• Regularly updating your passwords, utilizing password managers, and considering identity theft protection services such as Lifelock can act as important preventive measures. These services can alert you to fraudulent activity and give you additional tools for monitoring your accounts and credit, reducing the risk of long-term damage if your identity is ever compromised.

• It is essential to trust your instincts when confronted with enticing offers. If you’re told you’ve won a prize, an inheritance, or a windfall but are asked to pay fees upfront or to deposit funds on someone else’s behalf, remember the old adage: if it’s too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Scammers thrive on creating excitement or urgency that clouds your judgement, and being cautious can help you avoid falling victim to their schemes.

I urge you to stay vigilant and educate those around you—especially your loved ones who may be more vulnerable. The tactics used by scammers are becoming more refined and widespread, but with the right knowledge and caution, we can protect ourselves and our community. Remember, if you ever feel uncertain or uncomfortable about a phone call, message, or online request, don’t engage—hang up and reach out to a trusted contact or law enforcement at the Sullivan County non-emergency dispatch number: 423-279-7330 (for those local to my area). 

Let’s continue to look out for each other, safeguard the fruits of our labor, and foster a culture where it’s OK to ask for help.

Stay educated. Stay healthy. 

Till next week.