Maggie Monday: Slammin the Scammers

Someone called Maggie last week, needing her bank account information so they could send her a new Medicare card. Um, right. She should go get her checkbook now.

She wasn't sure what she should do so she told them she didn't have her checkbook with her. When he told her to go get a bank statement, she hung up.

I would love to tell you that she totally recognized this as a scam, but she called my aunt to ask what she should do. Auntie Em told her she did the right thing, but then, Maggie's reasons for not engaging came out:

1. "He sounded foreign."
2. It sounded like he was calling from a bar or another busy place, not an office. 
3. My aunt also estimates that Maggie is a little put off by men. She thinks they are trying to outwit her, so her guard is up. (And in this case, absolutely right!)

Remind your old people that no one who is legitimate will ask them for this sort of information. Tell them not to give in.

Speaking of Maggie, her 90th birthday is coming up in mid-March. I am going to collect 90 cards--I've already received a proclamation from her governor!--to send up to her. I know some of you (nonscamming types) already have her address, but I'd appreciate it if you could send cards to me, so she gets 90 at once. If you don't already have my address, email me. Deadline to get them to Pennsylvania is March 8. Many thanks.

Thanks too for the increased commenting. I wish I didn't have to bribe you but I do love bringing people out of the woodwork! We're almost there!