Rep. Brennan Warns Ohio Seniors: "If You Get a Suspicious Call, Hang Up"

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) is warning senior citizens and their families to be especially cautious about scam phone calls designed to steal money, personal information, or access to bank accounts.

“Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but the basic rule remains simple: if something doesn’t feel right, hang up,” said Rep. Brennan. “No legitimate government agency, police department, bank, utility, or reputable business should pressure you into making an immediate payment or giving out sensitive personal information over the phone.”

Common scam calls may involve someone claiming to be:

• A police officer or sheriff threatening arrest over an alleged warrant or unpaid fine.
• An IRS or government official demanding immediate payment.
• A bank representative asking for account numbers, passwords, or verification codes.
• A utility company threatening to shut off electric or gas service unless payment is made immediately.
• A grandchild or other family member claiming to be in trouble and urgently needing money.
• A Medicare or Social Security representative asking for personal information.
• A technology company claiming that a computer or account has been hacked and requesting remote access.
• A charity seeking donations, particularly following a major disaster or other news event.

Rep. Brennan said scammers frequently rely on fear, urgency, and secrecy to prevent victims from taking time to verify the caller’s identity. He urged seniors to remember the following 5 rules:

1. Slow down.
   A legitimate organization will not require you to make an immediate decision simply because someone is calling you.
2. Never give a caller your password, PIN, Social Security number, bank information, or one-time verification code.
3. Don’t trust caller ID.
   Scammers can make a call appear to come from a legitimate government agency, bank, police department, or local telephone number.
4. If you think the call might be legitimate, hang up and call the organization yourself.
   Use a phone number from an official statement, your bank card, or the organization’s official website—not a number provided by the caller.
5. Talk to someone you trust.
   If a caller tells you to keep the situation secret or discourages you from talking with a family member, friend, bank employee, or law enforcement officer, that is a major warning sign.
    

“Being targeted by a scam is nothing to be embarrassed about,” Rep. Brennan added. “These criminals are professionals who know how to manipulate people. The victim is not the one who should be ashamed—the scammer is.”

Rep. Brennan also encourages family members to talk with their parents, grandparents, and other older relatives about common scams before they receive a fraudulent call.

“I have had too many constituents become victims of these scam artists and the stories are heartbreaking. If you receive a suspicious call, please don’t be afraid to hang up,” Rep. Brennan shared. “Take a breath, talk to someone you trust, and independently verify what you were told. A few minutes of caution can protect a lifetime of savings.”

Ohioans who believe they have lost money or provided sensitive information to a scammer should contact their financial institution immediately and consider reporting the incident to law enforcement and the appropriate government consumer-protection agency.