Tip – If you receive a suspicious call, the best thing to do is hang up immediately.
Last Saturday my phone rang and the person on the other end identified himself as Officer Williams from the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office. He indicated that he was calling because I had failed to report for Jury Duty and that I needed to report to the Sheriff’s Office. He asked me if I had received a summons, and I told him no. He asked me if someone else could have signed for it—that should have tipped me off—as an attorney, I know that is not how jury summons are issued.
He knew my name and my address and implied that not reporting for Jury Duty had serious consequences. After a few minutes, he mentioned my driver’s license and said that he would need to get some information from me. That’s when the bells finally went off. I asked him, “What was your name again?” . . . . . Silence. I repeated, “What was your name?” When he failed to reply, I hung up and called the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office. They said they had been getting several calls, and it was a scam.
I’m concerned about the increasing number of phone scams targeting people these days. I want to make sure you’re aware of these threats and know how to protect yourself.
Phone scammers are becoming more sophisticated and often target people with respect and kindness in their voices. They might claim to be from your bank, the IRS, Medicare, Social Security, UPS Notifications, a tech company, or even pretend to be a family member in trouble. Their goal is to trick you into sharing personal information or sending them money.
Please remember:
• Government agencies like the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare will never call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest
• Your bank won’t call asking for your account number (they already have
this information)
• Be suspicious of callers creating urgency or fear (“act now or else”)
• If someone claims to be a family member in trouble, hang up and call that person directly
• Never give remote access to your computer to an unexpected caller
If you receive a suspicious call, the best thing to do is hang up immediately. If you’re concerned the call might be legitimate, look up the official number for that organization and call them directly.
I know you’re smart and careful, but these scammers are professionals who have practiced their techniques on thousands of people. I just want you to be extra vigilant.
View our “Senior’s Guide to a Well-Planned Future” on our website! Packer Elder Care Law – with you for life!
Tom Packer is an Elder Law Attorney serving all Southeast Idaho. As part of his law practice, Tom offers Life Care Planning to deal with the challenges created by long-term illness, disability and incapacity. If you have a question about a Senior’s legal, financial or healthcare needs, please call us.
April 2025