Dear Editor,
Lately I have received quite a few calls from senior citizens who have fallen victim to e-mail or telephone scams. These schemes are getting increasingly more complex, creative and devastating when successful. Some use personal information gleaned from the Internet to manipulate seniors.
They prey off your compassion and may even claim to be a family member or friend in need of urgent assistance. Almost always they ask for some kind of payment or identifying information that they can then use to access your personal accounts. 
Remember, if it seems odd or raises red flags, please think carefully before responding.
If you have any qualms about sending information or money to a stranger, please call the FBI.
Our local FBI office in Kansas City stands ready to help. If you have any questions or are afraid you’ve been scammed, call (816) 512-8200. You can also visit the FBI’s website www.fbi.gov and click on the “scams and safety” link to find resources and tips on staying safe.
They also have a list of common scams that should be your first stop before you think about cooperating with the requests of a stranger on the internet or the other end of the phone.
Sen. Pat Roberts,
Washington, D.C.