According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), more than 3.5 million older Americans are victims of financial exploitation each year. The types of senior scammers elders are most likely to fall victim to are:

  • Online shopping scams
  • Imposter scams
  • Tech support scams
  • Sweepstakes scams
  • Romance scams

Criminals who prey on the elderly use a variety of tactics to make money, including scam phone calls, online theft, email scams, and postal service mail fraud.

Here are five ways to protect your senior loved one from being victimized by fraudsters and scammers:

Check their finances regularly

Checking bank, investment, and credit card statements at least weekly can keep you apprised of any irregularities. Look for large ATM withdrawals your parent didn’t make, credit card purchases of items they don’t need, or new names added to their account.

Make sure your name is added to each of their accounts so you can receive monthly statements and email notifications concerning transactions. Unfortunately, many seniors don’t check their statements and never report fraudulent transactions.

Educate them about elder fraud scams

If your parent knows that scammers often target seniors, they’ll be less likely to be taken advantage of. Let them know that in addition to being scammed by junk mail, fraudsters also use phone calls, email, and websites to take advantage of seniors.

Also, advise your loved one to never give out any personal information over the phone, including their social security number, credit card number, and Medicare I.D. number.

Remove their name from call lists

Scammers often get their victims’ names from telemarketing lists. Help your senior loved one sign up for the National Do Not Call registry. It’s a free service provided by the FTC, and they can sign up by calling (888) 382-1222 or registering online.

Let them know they shouldn’t engage in conversations with people they don’t know and to hang up if telemarketed.

Teach them about online and social media fraud

If your older adult spends time online, they need to learn about the dangers of connecting with people online through social media and chat groups, and that many scammers pretend to be someone they’re not. Many of these fake friends are located overseas, so be aware of your parent mentions a new friend or love interest and is the wiring or sending money abroad.

Buy them a paper shredder

Criminals comb through garbage looking for personal information, like account numbers and social security numbers. Buy your senior a paper shredder and show them how to shred receipts, financial statements, and unwanted credit card offers, reducing the chances of someone accessing their personal information.

Quality Home Care You Can Trust

Seniors Prefer Homecare serves the senior population in the Huntsville and Tuscaloosa areas. We provide a full menu of affordable in-home senior care services which help seniors age safely and comfortably in the place they want to be most – their own homes.

Call us today at (781) 514-6417 to schedule your free in-home consultation. We’d love to get to know your senior and your family, and we’ll be happy to let you know how we can help.