Fraud Alert: Protecting Seniors From Malicious Phone Calls, Emails, and Texts
Safeguarding against fraudulent scams presents a task many of us struggle with as we go about our daily lives. Scammers seek to wreak havoc with complete disregard for their victims, but protecting aging loved ones from these types of circumstances can present a challenge. This fact is even more apparent as fraudulent situations become increasingly difficult to identify.
Common Scams Targeted at Seniors
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraudulent scams, contact the local authorities. Share as many details as you can to help detectives find the culprit. You can also watch for the following scams that often target aging adults.
Romantic
If your senior loved one suddenly becomes secretive or mentions they’ve met someone new, a healthy curiosity isn’t bad. Consider investigating further to see how they’ve met this new person. Many scammers seduce seniors into parting with money based on a fictional relationship. In these cases, most victims suffer more than just financial loss.
Grandchild in Need
The ingenuity of artificial intelligence can do harm in the hands of scammers, especially in persuading caring grandparents their grandchildren need financial help. If you or an aging loved one receives a phone call from a supposed grandkid, hang up and call that person immediately. In many cases, your loved one may have no idea what’s going on, and that’s confirmation enough that you did the right thing.
Winner Winner!
If you or your elderly loved one receives a phone call or letter in the mail that they’ve won a contest or sweepstakes you’ve never heard of or entered, be cautious. Many fraudsters use this seemingly good news to steal valuable personal information. If the scammers ask for personal details, you can almost be sure they’re up to no good.
Government Impersonator
Getting a call from the government that you’re going to lose everything unless you take immediate action can put immense pressure on anyone, let alone a senior who may not understand what’s happening. If your aging loved one suddenly feels pressured based on this type of call, investigate further. Contact local agencies directly before giving any personal information if necessary.
Robocalls
Answering calls you don’t recognize can put you in hot water if you’re not careful. Many robocalls do much more than just annoy you. If you want to address robocalls or spam calls specifically, check out this resource from the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Communications Commission also published a guide to stopping unwanted calls.
Shopping
With most people buying things online, we’ve almost become too lackadaisical in our abilities to discern which websites are fake and which are legitimate. For seniors, the distinction can be nearly impossible. Beware of offers or prices that are too good to be true or websites that don’t seem as well put together as others.
How Right at Home Boston and North Protects Seniors
The safety of our local seniors remains at the heart of what Right at Home Boston and North is all about. We prioritize maintaining a safe and welcoming environment and seek to educate seniors on prevalent scams and frauds to avoid any further damage. Below are several resources you can use to keep you and your aging loved one safe from scams:
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Senior Scammers: How To Avoid and What To Do if You Fall Victim
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Safeguarding Your Retirement: The Importance of Financial Awareness for Seniors
