Scam Alert Coachwith Jeffrey Bernard

Learn How Scams Work

Eight simple lessons. Read one a day or share them with someone you love.

Lesson 1

Never pay with gift cards

Real companies and government agencies will never ask you to pay with gift cards. Gift cards are like cash — once the numbers are read to a scammer, the money is gone.

Example scam

"This is the IRS. You owe back taxes. Buy $500 in Apple gift cards and read me the numbers on the back."

🚩 Red flags

  • Anyone asking for payment in gift cards
  • Pressure to go to the store right now
  • Tells you to stay on the phone the whole time

✅ What to do instead

  • Hang up
  • Tell a trusted family member
  • Report to ftc.gov/complaint

Lesson 2

Medicare will not call asking for your Medicare number

Medicare already has your number. Anyone who calls and asks for it is trying to steal your identity or bill Medicare for things you didn't get.

Example scam

"We're sending you a new Medicare card. Please verify your Medicare number."

🚩 Red flags

  • Unsolicited call about Medicare
  • Offers free braces, test kits, or equipment
  • Asks for Medicare number, SSN, or bank info

✅ What to do instead

  • Hang up
  • Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you have questions
  • Guard your Medicare number like a credit card

Lesson 3

Your bank will not ask for your password by text

Your bank already has your account information. They will never text or email asking for your password, PIN, or full account number.

Example scam

"Bank alert: confirm your identity by replying with your online banking password."

🚩 Red flags

  • Text or email asking for password or PIN
  • Link to a 'verify your account' page
  • Threat to close your account

✅ What to do instead

  • Do not reply or click the link
  • Call the number on the back of your bank card
  • Delete the message

Lesson 4

Do not click unexpected links

Links in surprise texts or emails can lead to fake websites that steal your login or install harmful software.

Example scam

"USPS: your package is held. Pay $1.99 redelivery fee: usps-redeliver.co/xyz"

🚩 Red flags

  • Shortened or strange-looking links
  • You weren't expecting a delivery, bill, or refund
  • Spelling mistakes in the message

✅ What to do instead

  • Don't tap the link
  • Go to the company's real website yourself
  • Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM)

Lesson 5

Hang up and call the official number

Scammers can fake caller ID to look like your bank, Medicare, or the police. The safest move is to hang up and call back using a number you trust.

Example scam

"This is Chase Fraud Department. We see a $900 charge — please confirm your card number."

🚩 Red flags

  • Caller pressures you to stay on the line
  • Asks for verification codes
  • Wants you to move money

✅ What to do instead

  • Hang up — it's okay, you're not being rude
  • Look up the company's real number yourself
  • Call back and ask if it was really them

Lesson 6

Be careful with urgent threats

Scammers create panic so you act before you think. Real agencies give you time and put things in writing.

Example scam

"There is a warrant for your arrest. Pay now or police will be at your door in 30 minutes."

🚩 Red flags

  • Threats of arrest, deportation, or losing benefits
  • "Act in the next 10 minutes"
  • Tells you not to talk to anyone

✅ What to do instead

  • Slow down. Take a breath
  • Talk to a trusted person before doing anything
  • Call the agency directly using a verified number

Lesson 7

Be careful with "too good to be true" offers

Big prizes, guaranteed investments, and surprise inheritances are common scam hooks. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Example scam

"Congratulations! You won $50,000. Just pay a $300 processing fee to claim it."

🚩 Red flags

  • You have to pay to receive a prize
  • Guaranteed high returns with 'no risk'
  • You didn't enter a contest

✅ What to do instead

  • Walk away
  • Never pay to receive money
  • Check with family before sending anything

Lesson 8

Talk to a trusted family member before sending money

Scammers want you to act alone. A quick call to a family member or friend can stop a scam in its tracks.

Example scam

"Don't tell your son — he'll be upset. Just go to the store and buy the gift cards."

🚩 Red flags

  • Anyone saying "don't tell anyone"
  • Pressure to act in secret
  • Big or unusual payment requests

✅ What to do instead

  • Pause and call someone you trust
  • Agree on a family 'safe word' for emergencies
  • It's always okay to say no

Share these tips

The best way to protect your family is to talk about scams openly. Print these lessons, text them, or read them together over coffee.

Still have questions?

Talk to Jeffrey Bernard — free, no pressure

Jeffrey is a Senior Safety & Digital Protection Advocate who helps seniors understand Medicare, avoid scams, and stay safe online. Reach out any time.

Talk to Jeffrey →📞 (713) 570-6764