A Tazewell County TRIAD Quarterly Safety Brief
Scam Watch is a quarterly safety brief from the Tazewell County TRIAD and Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the most common scams currently affecting seniors in our community. These scams change throughout the year, but awareness remains one of the strongest tools in prevention.
Why Are Seniors Especially Targeted?
- Seniors often have savings, home equity, and established credit, making them attractive targets.
- Loneliness and social isolation (especially in winter months) increase vulnerability to romance and phone scams.
- Scammers use urgency and fear tactics to push quick action without verification.
When are certain types of scams more likely?
Q1 (January–March): Imposter, Tax & Emergency Scams
Q2 (April–June): Home Improvement & Imposter Scams
Q3 (July–September): Travel, Utility & Charity Scams
Q4 (October–December): Holiday, Delivery & Gift Card Scams
SCAM WATCH – Q1 (January–March)
Imposter, Tax & Emergency Scams Affecting Seniors
During winter and early spring, scammers take advantage of tax season, bad weather, and increased isolation to pressure seniors into acting quickly. These are the top scams we’re seeing, along with simple ways to protect yourself.
🚔 1. Government & Law Enforcement Imposter Scams
How the scam works:
Scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or local law enforcement.
They claim:
- You owe taxes or fines
- Your Social Security number is suspended
- There is a warrant for your arrest
They demand immediate payment, often by gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Red flags:
- Threats of arrest or jail
- Requests for payment by gift card or crypto
- Caller ID looks “local” but feels urgent or aggressive
How to protect yourself:
✔ Government agencies do not call demanding payment
✔ Hang up and contact the agency directly using an official number
✔ Never give personal or financial information over the phone.
💰 2. Tax Season Scams
How the scam works:
Scammers pose as:
- IRS agents
- Tax preparers
- Companies offering “stimulus,” refunds, or tax help
They may ask for Social Security numbers, bank info, or charge fees to “unlock” a refund.
Red flags:
- Promises of a larger or faster refund
- Requests for personal info by phone, email, or text
- Tax preparers who won’t sign your return or provide credentials
How to protect yourself:
✔ Use a trusted, known tax preparer.
✔ The IRS initiates contact by mail, not calls or texts.
✔ Never click links claiming to be IRS messages.
👨👩👧 3. Grandparent / Family Emergency Scams
How the scam works:
A caller claims to be a grandchild, child, or other loved one in trouble — arrested, injured, or stranded — and begs for money right now.
Some scammers now use AI-generated voices to sound like family members.
Red flags:
- “Please don’t tell Mom or Dad”
- Urgent requests for bail or emergency money
- Pressure to act before verifying
How to protect yourself:
✔ Hang up and call another family member to confirm
✔ Set up a family code word for real emergencies
✔ Take your time — real emergencies allow verification
❤️ 4. Romance & Relationship Scams
How the scam works:
Scammers build online relationships through social media, dating apps, or texting. Once trust is gained, they ask for money for:
- Travel
- Medical bills
- Emergencies
Winter months increase vulnerability due to isolation.
Red flags:
- Won’t meet in person or video chat
- Asks for money, gift cards, or crypto
- Stories that don’t quite add up
How to protect yourself:
✔ Never send money to someone you haven’t met
✔ Talk to a trusted friend or family member
✔ Be cautious with new online relationships
💻 5. Door-to-Door Home Scams
How the scam works:
Scammers knock on your door saying they’re local contractors who just happen to be in your neighborhood and offer to do work immediately — often at a “special price”.
Common targets: Snow removal, driveway paving, gutter cleaning, roofing, chimney work, duct or furnace “checks.”
Red flags:
- Claim to have leftover materials from a nearby job
- Pressure you to start immediately
- Ask for cash up front, do little or no real work — and disappear with your money
How to protect yourself:
✔ Don’t hire on the spot
✔ Verify before you agree
✔ Never pay cash up front
🛑 Golden Rules for Seniors (Easy to Remember)
Pause — Scammers rely on urgency
Verify — Call back using trusted numbers
Protect — Never send money or personal info to unsolicited contacts
📞 If You Suspect a Scam
Contact the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office | (309) 346-4141
Report scams to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office | Consumer Fraud Bureau 1-800-386-5438
Talk with a trusted family member or caregiver