Theft/Scams are on the rise for seniors. This is a serious issue that many are unaware of and it can easily happen to anyone. The most common financial scams targeting older people include government impersonation scams, sweepstakes scams, and robocall scams. Below, are some tips on how to protect Seniors from scams.
Anti-Fraud Tools: This can include setting your phone to send unknown numbers to voicemail, using a credit freeze, and having strict privacy controls on social media. It is also easy to sign up for financial account monitoring to receive alerts for every transaction. These are all important and provide a line of protection to keep you safe and your assets.
Add Extra Security to Your Accounts: Set up a multifactor authentication for your accounts. This makes it so that even if someone got your username and password, they would need the code to get in, which is connected to your phone.
Know the Warning Signs: If you have an older adult that you notice is reluctant to talk about finances, has trouble paying for everyday expenses, or has a high number of incoming phone calls or text messages, that could be a sign of fraud.
Avoid Odd Payment Types: Scammers will often ask for money in an unusual way. This may be done by a wire transfer, money order, cryptocurrency, payment app, or gift card. Be suspicious of these, or if they try to make excuses for alternative forms of payment.
Notice Threatening Behavior: Scammers will often create a sense of urgency for payment. If they threaten you or they become aggressive, that is a sign that they are a scammer.
Be Suspicious of Fake Caller IDs: Phone calls or emails may look like they are coming from a real company. It is best to not make contact with them if you did not initiate it. Avoid sharing private information and look up the organization or company’s phone number yourself and contact them that way.
Confirm: Confirm that the organization is a legitimate business by asking for information about the company and making sure they are registered with the Better Business Bureau.
Ask a Family Member or Friend: Before providing someone with a payment, if it seems suspicious ask a family or friend and get their input.
At AdvanceCare, our trustworthy caregivers will provide seniors with help to avoid scams. If our caregivers sensed that one of our clients was getting scammed, they would take the necessary steps to make sure it stopped and was reported. We care for each of our clients, and we take the necessary steps to assist them in multiple aspects of their lives.
For more information about our services, call 629-800-9614 to talk to a local homecare specialist or to set up a free consultation.
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