Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jacob Rhymestine shares important tips on identifying scams with seniors at the Lewistown Senior Center.

LEWISTOWN –Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jacob Rhymestine discussed how to identify scams during a presentation at the Lewistown Senior Center Thursday.

Rhymestine said residents should never purchase gift cards in exchange for paying a bill or service.

“Other than gifting someone a gift card in person that you know, gift cards should not be sent to anyone else for payment,” Rhymestine said.

Seniors heard a hard truth that even someone they might think is their friend or significant other might be a scammer — and likely is.

Scammers, he said, are growing in popularity. Penelec or First Energy stickers and badges can be easily reproduced to be put on a vest or name tag, the officer said.

Rhymestine said it is also common for scammers to come to residences and pretend to be someone professional, asking for your information or to come inside.

If you give scammers a bill, they have access to personal information, he said.

Some scammers pretend to be police officers, claiming they need to pay a fine or they will go to jail.

Scammers are doing their research, Rhymestine said, adding that it is not uncommon to impersonate police officers by name.

AI technology can generate their emails, texts and voices.

“Some phone calls will start off asking if you are there or if you can hear them; this is to get your voice recorded saying the word ‘yes,'” said Rhymestine.

By simply saying “yes,” they can now gain access to other things they need your voice recognition for.

Rhymestine says that the timeliness of reporting these scammers is very important.

“Often people feel embarrassed to report and wait until it is too late,” said Rhymestine.

Other types of scams to watch out for are tech support scams. These scammers will pretend to help you with your computer, gaining remote access to your computer they can use the mouse to get into anything they want.

Home repair scams are where scammers will pretend to be there to do odd jobs from painting your driveway to mowing your lawn or inspecting the roof. They expect money up front before the service is done.

“These scammers may want to come in to check your electricity, check your water or heater and one of the real companies would not have a surprise visit,” added Rhymestine.

If you are not sure it is best to reach out to your local law enforcement for guidance.