We will explain how red button scams work and how to protect yourself against them.
The red button scam is one of the cruelest, as it targets the elderly who are in a vulnerable situation. Precisely for this reason, we have a responsibility to warn them and understand how it works. It basically consists of Scammers pretend to be 112 —Emergency Number— or an organization believed to be associated with it, stealing banking information of senior citizens. The police have warned about this through social media.
How Red Button Scams Work
Vulnerable people, especially the elderly but not always, a Device with a red button Which is usually worn as a pendant or a bracelet. Its function is to contact 112 just by pressing it. This is a quick way to do it and allows seniors, the main users of the device, to communicate without having to dial numbers
AI graphical representation of red button device
Criminals call vulnerable people who have this device to get their banking details. They do this by impersonating 112 or an organization related to it. In many cases, they comment that, Subscribe to a payment planPeople in vulnerable situations will be able to get help if they need it, although they may claim that the service will be chargeable or something similar, which of course is a lie.
The National Police has released a video on social network X (formerly Twitter) that summarizes its operation. It also indicates that we must inform our seniors to prevent them from falling for scams. In addition, below we will give you Tips to avoid hunting Scam the red button, or that of the people around you.
Do you know what the scam consists of? #red button 🔴?
They call the phone ☎ pretending to be service personnel #teleassistance of 112
They want to get personal or banking information 😱
Seniors are the main target #scandalSo warn them pic.twitter.com/CYL4TT4J76
— National Police (@policia) December 31, 2023
How to avoid red button scams
112 is a free public service that operates 24 hours a day and is not linked to private companies. Bank details should not be given over telephone. This number will never ask you. Besides, Accepting calls onlyIt never does them (unless you call first).
On the other hand, it is possible that the scam is reinforced with more sophisticated scam methods. For example, Criminals may know the names of fictitious victims. It doesn’t matter if they know it or not, it will still be a scam, and they are able to get our data in various ways, such as by leaking websites or buying it from the dark web, the darkest and most mysterious corner. of the internet
That too cannot be ruled out The number shown while receiving the call is 112. Caller ID (ie, what the caller shows on the screen) is useful, but don’t trust it completely, as it can be changed. Caller ID spoofing is a method by which criminals are able to change it to carry out scams. They usually impersonate banks, but they can do this with any organization.
Finally, in most phone scams—that or any other—criminals want you to stress so you think worse. for this They give a sense of urgency to the call, warning you that you only have one chance to do what they want of you or that it is urgent. Keep a cool head and analyze what they ask you, because really serious matters are usually communicated by email, post or other means and do not imply that you have disclosed your password or passwords.
In short, this is it Keys to protect yourself from red button scamsWhich will also serve to avoid other scams:
- Do not provide bank details per call
- Criminals may know your name
- Don’t trust caller ID 100%
- Be careful with “urgent” calls or messages
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