How to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams
How to avoid scams

How to avoid scams

Fraud- How to Protect Yourself – Part 2

In the first part of this series, we disclosed different common tactics criminals use to perpetrate fraud against the elderly. In the second part of our 2-part series, we’ll focus on tips to protect yourself, family and financial assets.

Our senior population grew up in a time where folks were more trustworthy and as good as their word.  Add the onset of a technology boom, and seniors may find themselves not as tech savvy as the younger generation and in over their heads.  There is nothing to be embarrassed about, there have always been criminals, they’ve just changed their tactics. As always, if you find yourself in a questionable situation, speak to a friend, trusted loved one or an attorney.

Health Insurance Fraud

It cannot be stressed enough: know your healthcare provider.  Be wary of mobile clinics, unless directed to utilize their services by a trusted source.  Never purchase prescription drugs or medical equipment from an unknown source, in person or online. It is estimated that Americans spend the bulk of their savings in the last years of their lives on medical expenses. Last-year-of-life expenses accounted for 22% of all medical, 26% of Medicare, 18% of all non-Medicare expenditures, and 25 percent of Medicaid expenditures. Sadly that makes this time of life a target. As the manager of your health and healthcare, do your homework, research a proposed treatment, or seek out a second opinion. As you approach your elder years, a health care advocate may be beneficial in managing your records and choices; a living will or Power of Attorney may also be an option.

Funeral and Cemetery Fraud

After the loss of a loved one, our guards are down, we can be an emotional wreck, and are forced to handle the closure of a loved one’s life. Dealing with the legalities can be overwhelming, so seek professional advice from an attorney familiar with these situations.  Never give anyone money without doing your homework first or and do not succumb to threats from anyone with claims of money owed.  It can take years to settle an estate and legitimate creditors and lenders know this. During this time, do not fall for any high-pressure tactics.

Funeral expenses can be a bit tricky. Pre-planning by using a living will and purchasing your plot or cremation services beforehand will help those left behind. Funerals can quickly become very expensive; it’s a lucrative business.  There is nothing wrong with looking into the funeral home’s business reputation within your community and knowing your service provider.

Anti-Aging Products

We’re all going to get older – there is no way around it.  If you want to try to delay the inevitable, utilize the services of legitimate doctors or service providers.  Botox parties in someone’s home, or from an unknown, online source are probably not the best place to receive treatments. In fact, it could cost you your life.

Telemarketing, Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams

Do not fall prey to these criminals. Never give out any personal information over the phone.  Service providers and credit card companies already have your information on file.  If they demand information, tell them to send you the request in writing, or call the person or institution back. The old adage, “If it seems too good to be true it probably is”, is great advice.

The IRS, DMV, Police and other government institutions will never call demanding an immediate payment over the phone. If you still believe the caller seems legit, look up the number yourself and call them back.

Our hearts break after a disaster and we often want to help. If you or a loved one is contacted by someone looking for a donation, do not give any information over the phone.  Ask the caller to send you information, or contact a known charitable organization and donate directly to them.

You will get nothing but disappointment if you send anyone money to win a prize.

 Internet Fraud

In this wild, wonderful world of instant information, thieves know folks don’t pay attention as they surf the internet.  Never click on a pop-up advertisement, even if it seems legit. Some pop-ups will flash that a PC or phone is infected and fix it by clicking the ad. If you click on it, you’ve probably downloaded cookies, a virus, malware or worse. Pay attention when surfing the internet and never click on these types of scams.

Never open an email from an unknown source. You should delete it unread or send it to your spam folder.  Many ISP’s will block future mail from entering your inbox if you mark it as spam.  If in doubt, look at the senders email properties prior to opening and you will be able to ascertain if it looks legit or not.

Investment Schemes and Home Owner/Reverse Mortgages

Never invest money or have any dealings with anyone other than a trusted source, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

The Grandparent Scam

It may seem heartless, but if you don’t recognize the voice on the other end of the phone, don’t send any money.  If it’s a true family member, you’ll probably have heard through the grapevine of any difficulty the person may be having. Check it out – family member or not.

Other Tips

Always shred your bank statements, credit card bills, and receipts.

Sign up for the Federal Governments “Do Not Call” List here- https://www.donotcall.gov/

Get direct deposit for any and all benefit checks you receive.

Only send mail from a secure location; thieves have been targeting mailboxes in some areas.

Don’t isolate yourself.  Get involved with the local senior center.

For more tips and tricks to avoid scams, go here- http://www.onguardonline.gov/

 

If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, speak to a friend, loved one, or an attorney. Or to obtain information for Adult Protective Services in your area, contact the Eldercare Locator, a government-sponsored national resource line, by calling: 1-800-677-1116, or visit their website at http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx

 

 

 

Sources

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

https://www.ncoa.org

The information found on the Gerstenberger Law site is for educational purposes only.  Your situation and the situation of others is unique and more complex.  This is neither legal advice nor to be considered legal advice.  Contact us for advice about your specific situation.

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