About Us

Welcome to Gigi Connect

As the elderly population grows in Texas and across our nation, protecting older citizens continues to be one of the essential responsibilities of Gigi Connect. Unfortunately, far too often, scam artists perceive senior citizens as vulnerable and relatively wealthy due to their ability to access retirement accounts and pensions. As a result, seniors are a frequent target of a wide range of consumer fraud scams. Gigi Connect protects all seniors by taking legal action against those who prey on seniors and supporting legislation to toughen penalties against those who commit crimes against the elderly. Sadly, financial exploitation is not the only threat to seniors’ safety. Physical and sexual abuse of elderly citizens is far too prevalent. This often unreported crime is devastating to both victims and family members.

Gigi Connect provides a Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Hotline. For more information on elderly fraud and scams, please contact us today!

Protecting Seniors Against Scams

Here are some typical frauds attempted on seniors:

  • Imposter from the IRS
    Many of us have been through this, and seniors deal with it frequently. The fraudster will threaten arrest or financial disaster if taxes aren’t paid on the spot. They may demand that you make the payment via secure methods like a pre-paid debit card, cashier’s check, or worse yet, wiring the money transfer. You need to know that agents from the IRS NEVER call people. All communication is done through the mail in the official documentation. If you question anything from the IRS, a lawyer can help you determine whether it’s a crook.
  • Telemarketers
    There are many schemes through the telephone. For example, the swindler may call and build a rapport with the senior claiming they need help to get a sick relative to the hospital for surgery or claiming the immediate incarceration of a family member if a certain amount of money isn’t presented to help them. Many telemarketers also will ask if the older person can hear them. Their “yes” reply is then recorded for future use. Since many companies use a person’s “yes” to verify security settings or make account changes, this would allow scammers to hack into all kinds of financial information.
  • Internet/Phishing/Email
    Phishing is purely done online and is usually done through Email. Cybercriminals send emails that lure the senior into clicking on a link to update software, verify “personal” information, or even payment methods. It usually looks legit unless you know what you’re looking for.

General Tips on How to Avoid Scams

Here are some friendly reminders to avoid scams:

  • Con artists force you to make decisions fast and may threaten you.
  • Con artists disguise their actual numbers using fake caller IDs.
  • Con artists sometimes pretend to be the government (e.g., IRS).
  • Con artists try to get you to provide personal information like your Social Security number or account numbers.
  • Before giving out your card number or money, please ask a friend or family member about it.
  • Beware of free travel offers.

How to protect yourself from scams and fraud?

One of the most important steps to protecting yourself is to avoid making rash financial decisions. Don’t feel the need to immediately respond to any offers or demands, especially if you question the legitimacy of the person contacting you. Keep in mind that trustworthy businesses and government entities won’t force you to make a sudden decision.

PROTECT YOURSELF
  • Cancel all credit cards you are not using.
  • Never keep your ATM card’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) in your wallet. If you need to write it down, be sure to keep it in a secure place.
  • Never give your credit card or ATM card to a family member or friend to buy things for you. Please provide them with cash or reimburse them with a check.
  • Try to balance your checkbook, or have your bank or a trusted family member or friend do it every month. Immediately inform your bank or credit card companies of any activity that does not appear to be your own.
  • Review your credit report. You are entitled to a free credit report from the credit reporting agencies each year.

GET IN TOUCH

If you have a question or would like more information on our work, Please complete the form, and we’ll aim to get back to you within 24 hours.