Avoid Scams That Target Seniors
April 5th, 2017
Senior scam crime is on the rise, with nearly one in five senior citizens being successfully targeted every year. If you can help your loved ones be aware of the following common forms of scamming, and how to avoid them, you can put them at less risk of being taken advantage of.
MAIL FRAUD
Mail scams often attempt to get money or something else of value by offering a product, service, investment opportunity, or prize that doesnt actually exist.
If a mailing looks fake, or if you see something that usually occurs in fraudulent mailings, such as asking for Social Security or credit card information, be suspicious. If possible, do a quick online search to see if anyone else has received similar mailings. Remember, never make any payments if you cant verify that youve actually ordered something.
EMAIL FRAUD
Unsolicited commercial email, or spam is usually the starting point for many email scams. Victims of email scam are vulnerable to identity theft, information theft, and financial loss.
Basic steps of protection include spam filters, antivirus software and personal firewalls, but also be vigilant about recognizing company names that appear to be fake, and urgent reply requests for false charities.
PHONE FRAUD
Crooks often try to use a friendly voice – or a threatening one – to either coddle or coerce a senior into taking an action which they shouldnt.
To avoid being scammed over the phone, never trust offers for free money or vacations – especially ones which ask for your personal information. Dont trust your caller ID, and always hang up on robocalls!