Scams on the Rise: How King County’s Seniors Are Being Targeted by Deceptive Couriers

If you thought you’d heard it all when it comes to scams, think again! King County has witnessed a surge in courier scams, largely targeting vulnerable older residents. Prosecutors report that since the start of 2024, 46 victims have collectively lost an eye-popping $7 million. Yes, you heard that right—$7 million! And some of these folks are losing thousands at a time, leaving them reeling and questioning their financial safety.

So, what’s the deal with these scams? Patrick Hinds from the King County Prosecutor’s Office explains that scammers often create a sense of urgency. They’ll call, text, or email their targets, claiming that their bank accounts are at risk. The plan? Get them to withdraw cash and hand it over to a courier. It’s like a bad episode of a crime show, but unfortunately for these victims, it’s all too real. Best advice? Don’t engage if something feels off–if a message looks suspicious, it probably is.

Protecting your money shouldn’t be as stressful as wrestling a bear, but unfortunately, it can feel that way these days. Just remember to keep your antivirus software updated and steer clear of any unsolicited communications. And if you think your grandma might need a little extra help navigating these waters, maybe volunteer to be her personal financial bodyguard—or at least keep an eye on her text messages!

Have you or anyone you know ever dealt with a scam like this? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!

About the Author

U Witness News Staff

Administrator

Visit Website View All Posts