Financial scams targeting seniors are becoming more and more common.  Seniors can become targets if they are too trusting, have retirement nest eggs, and live alone. Millions of elderly Americans fall prey to financial scams annually, and sadly 90% are committed by their own family members – usually an adult child.

According to law enforcement officials, those fraudulent activities commonly involve intimidation, threats, physical violence, and even withholding essential caregiving services. Non-relative financial fraudsters also prey on seniors with tactics like door-to-door, “pay-for-service” scams, email or “snail mail” schemes, and random phone calls soliciting donations for fake charities. If you have a senior loved one that you are looking after, the financial threat posed to them is quite real. Here are some proven ways to help your loved one avoid financial scams targeting seniors.

Know the Signs

Financial scams targeting seniors come in many forms, so beware of the classic signs associated with all of them. When you’re in your elderly loved one’s home, look for:

  • Stacks of unopened mail lying about with magazine subscription bills, sweepstakes notifications, boxes with “free” gifts, and other suspicious solicitations
  • Important household bills not getting paid like the mortgage, medical bills, utilities and cable TV even though you know the senior has enough monthly income
  • Unusual withdrawals from their bank account (If you have access), new names (including family members) on their account, or frequent ATM and/or credit card use
  • A new caregiver, including a family member, is trying to block your access to them
  • Lack of food or toiletries in their home
  • They suddenly start acting afraid, confused, or look uncharacteristically unkept

Keep Them Safe

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA; www.ncoa.org), there are several reliable ways to give you and your senior loved one peace-of-mind while warding off financial scammers, such as:

Enrolling Them in the National “Do Not Call” List

Putting them on this list should block most phone scam artists.

Discussing All Unsolicited Offers

Encourage your loved one not to talk to strangers who stop by unsolicited and offer products or services in exchange for money, including caregivers. Ask them to have the solicitor contact you first.

Using Direct Deposit

If your senior is like most, they get a pension and Social Security check in the mail every month. To help ensure those checks aren’t stolen, have them sign up for direct deposit through their bank or credit union.

Monitoring Their Banking Transactions

They may be hesitant at first, but discuss the benefits of you having online access to their banking records, and for them designating you as custodian on their accounts for added security.

Reading All Contracts and Purchasing Agreements Over

Relate to your loved one how it would put your mind at-ease if you could look over any major purchasing agreements or contracts before they sign them. Pitch the idea by mentioning that you were tricked recently, and don’t want it to happen to them.

Shredding All Non-Essential Personal Documents

Help them locate and shred personal documents, like old tax returns or credit card statements, that contain their Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers to keep them away from prying eyes.

Analyzing Their Credit Report

Using a source like www.annualcreditreport.com, to check the senior’s credit report semi-annually for any signs of suspicious activity.

Assigning a Durable Power-of-Attorney (POA)

Whether it’s you or another trusted individual, it’s a good idea for an elderly person to designate a durable power-of-attorney (POA) to handle their affairs in the chance they become physically and/or mentally incapacitated.

If you suspect that your loved one’s personal or banking information has been compromised, promptly contact a legal advisor or Adult Protective Services. Also notify their bank and credit card company, cancel all debit and credit cards that were affected, and reset their PINs.

We Also Protect In-Home Seniors Against Scams

Protecting loved one against financial scams targeting seniors, including shady caregivers, can be difficult when you are busy or live too far away. When you need assistance, contact the experts at Seniors Prefer Homecare. Not only are all our home care aids carefully screened for your loved one’s protection, but they’ll also serve as your “eyes and ears” within the home, while restoring your peace-of-mind. Other reliable services our aids can perform include light housework, personal hygiene, meals, shopping, transportation and companionship, all delivered in an affordable and flexible package where and when you need them. To learn more about protecting seniors from financial scams, or about our family trusted senior home care services in Huntsville and Tuscaloosa, AL, visit: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com now.