Photo Scams Seniors Should Watch Out For

Photo source: openverse, alleksana

A photo scam can catch out anyone, but older New Zealanders are often targeted because scammers expect them to be trusting and polite. Knowing how a photo scam works is one of the best ways to protect your money, your identity and your family. Here are the most common types to watch for.

Fake Family Emergency Photos

Scammers sometimes send a photo that appears to show a grandchild in trouble, such as an injured relative or a wrecked car, along with an urgent request for money. These images are often copied from social media. Before sending anything, phone your family member directly using a number you already know.

Romance and Online Friend Photos

A photo scam is common on dating and social media sites. Fraudsters use attractive pictures stolen from real people to build a relationship, then ask for money. If a new online friend avoids video calls, be careful. A reverse image search on Google can show whether the same photo appears under different names.

Fake Marketplace Photos

Photos of items for sale, from caravans to puppies, may be taken from genuine listings. If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid paying strangers by bank transfer, and try to see the item in person before handing over any money.

Suspicious Photo Links and Prize Messages

Messages saying someone has posted photos of you or that you have won a photo competition, often hide links that steal passwords or install harmful software. Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails, even if they appear to come from a friend.

Requests for Identity Photos

Some scammers ask you to send a photo of your driver licence or passport to verify an account. This information can be used for identity theft. Genuine banks and organisations rarely ask for it by text or email.