As our elderly family members grow older, they may become more susceptible to being tricked by fraudsters who want to exploit their trust. Sadly, scams that are aimed at seniors are all too frequent, putting their financial safety and overall well-being at risk.
To help protect our older loved ones from these dishonest people, it's important to be knowledgeable and proactive in looking out for their best interests. Here's the information you need to keep the seniors in your life safe from scams.
Common Scams Aimed at Seniors
Scams aimed at seniors vary widely. They include phone scams, email and online scams, financial scams, and healthcare scams.
Phone scams frequently involve fake IRS agents demanding payment for bogus tax bills, or lottery and sweepstakes scams where seniors are asked to pay a fee to collect their supposed winnings.
Email and online scams, meanwhile, might involve phishing emails requesting personal information or false tech support services that claim to fix non-existent computer problems.
Other financial scams may involve investment schemes promising high returns with low risk or reverse mortgage scams that exploit seniors' home equity.
Lastly, healthcare scams may involve Medicare fraud, where criminals bill Medicare for services never provided or offer counterfeit prescription drugs at low prices.
Recognize the Warning Signs
It's essential to become familiar with the "red flags" of scam victimization to protect your elderly loved ones. These may include unusual behavior like being secretive about finances or making large, unexplained purchases. You might also notice signs of financial distress, such as unpaid bills or a sudden lack of funds.
Be cautious about suspicious phone calls or emails your loved ones may receive, and watch out for any new "friends" or acquaintances taking a sudden interest in their financial affairs.
Educate Seniors About Potential Threats
One of the best ways to protect seniors from scams is to keep them informed about scams. It's important to discuss the dangers without making them feel scared or embarrassed. Encourage your senior relatives to be skeptical and cautious when dealing with unknown individuals, especially if they ask for personal or financial information. Teach them about common scam tactics and red flags to look for and give them resources for further education, such as those offered by AARP or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Steps Caregivers Should Take If They Suspect Their Loved One Is a Scam Victim
If you think your senior loved one is a victim of a scam, it's important to act quickly. First, talk to the senior and try to gather as much information as possible about the situation. Next, report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement, your Louisiana State Attorney General's Office, or the FTC. Monitor your loved one's financial accounts and credit reports for signs of identity theft, and take preventative measures to avoid future scams, like blocking suspicious phone numbers or setting up email filters.
Safety Is a Priority at Senior Helpers
By educating seniors about potential threats, recognizing warning signs, and taking appropriate action if a loved one falls victim, we can help keep them safe from fraudsters.
Want more resources to help keep senior loved ones maintain a safe and independent life? Contact us at Senior Helpers Lafayette if you live in the Lafayette, New Iberia, Morgan City, Abbeville, Carencro, Eunice, and Jennings areas for information on in-home care, companionship, and assistance with day-to-day tasks. Remember, it never hurts to have a sounding board when a senior senses something just isn't quite right!