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Insights > Protect your older relatives from scams with these simple tips
Protect your older relatives from scams with these simple tips
07/05/2023
They’re more common than you might think. Scams targeting people over 60 totaled $3.1 billion in reported losses in 2022 – an 84% spike compared to 2021 – according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2022 Elder Fraud Report.
Utility imposter scammers are constantly creating new schemes to trick us out of money or into sharing private information. No one is immune to this endless barrage of scams – but thankfully, you can help protect your older relatives by following these simple tips.
Raise the topic
Don’t assume your loved ones are familiar with how to spot scams. Share relevant news coverage, statistics and educational resources to initiate the conversation. Encourage them to scrutinize all unexpected, unsolicited communications from people claiming to be Entergy representatives, and offer yourself as a resource to vet suspicious phone calls or messages.
Encourage healthy skepticism
Remind your older relatives that we are our first – and strongest – lines of defense against utility imposter scammers. Encouraging healthy skepticism will increase their likelihood of catching Entergy imposters in their tracks. They should never confirm or share personal information, like their Entergy account number or residential address, with people they don't know and trust.
Advise them not to engage
Encourage them to let unexpected, unsolicited phone calls go to voicemail, and to always confirm unknown callers’ identities through independent verification. Likewise, advise them not to click links within, or respond to, text or email messages from people claiming to be Entergy representatives unless they know and trust the sender. Instead, they should contact us directly to discuss their Entergy account.
Report scams
Scammers’ emotional manipulations can be sophisticated – and convincing. If your loved ones fall victim to a scam, help them report the criminal activity to Entergy and the proper authorities. Submitting a thorough scam report detailing all receipts, names, websites, phone numbers or email addresses associated with the crime can protect others from experiencing the same kind of attack.
Continue the conversation
Scams are increasing in prevalence and sophistication – and new scams emerge every day. Continue to educate yourself about scam trends and share what you’ve learned with your older loved ones. By initiating regular conversations about scam prevention, you can boost their defenses against utility imposter scammers’ devious ploys.
Visit entergy.com/scams for additional resources about new and evolving scams.
