Seniors Are A Favorite Target Of Scams

Seniors, like many others, hesitate to call the authorities when they've been cheated because they are embarrassed. If this sounds like you, or someone you love, you are far from alone. The Federal Trade Commission reports that people over 60 are a frequent target of telephone scammers. Reporting scams can mean putting the perpetrators out of business and saving your neighbor from becoming the next victim.
Here is what one fraud attorney advises to help people of all ages avoid being victimized by fraudsters:

1. Remember, scam artists prey on your emotions, such as patriotism. Before you agree to help an individual or a charity, take the time to find out what you are getting into. If the need is legitimate, they will be willing to call back after you've had time to think.

2. Always ask questions. Find out what options are available. For example, if a caller tells you you've won something, will they confirm it in writing? Will they provide a phone number so you can call them back?

3. Don't feel you have to be courteous. If someone calls or comes to your door asking about your finances, feel free to hang up or shut the door in their faces. After all, finances are very personal.

4. If you're recently widowed, you may be target of some scam artists who are hoping that your knowledge and experience with finances is limited. Again, your finances are very personal. If there is something you don't understand, call your local senior center and ask for help from a financial counselor.

5. Keep track of our own finances at all times. It's easy to allow someone else to do it for you, but unless you are completely sure that the person can be trusted, you are playing with fire.

6. You should know that most victims of fraud report that the reason they believed the fraudster was because the person seemed so nice. That's how they get in the door.especially for seniors who may be lonely and have limited contact with other people.

If a call comes in which you suspect is a scam, the police advise that you should just hang up. Then notify your police department.
If you are concerned about a senior citizen in your life being the target of a charity scam, here are some warning signs:

Do they get frequent calls and letters requesting donations? If so, they are probably on a list of willing donors.
Has the senior made a lot of donations to an obscure charity you've never heard of?
Is the senior experiencing trouble paying for their monthly expenses, even though they have not had a change in income to justify it?

If you suspect there has been fraud, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by visiting:

FTC: Charity Fraud
or call toll free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

Ask for a free copy of their publication, Charitable Donations: Give or Take? and Donating to Public Safety Fund-Raisers.
Here are some real examples of recent scams that target senior citizens:


Indiana police report a scheme that starts when thieves scan obituaries looking for names of recent widows, particularly those who live alone. The caller claims to be a representative from the Social Security Administration, or from a credit card company, bank, or credit bureau, seeking to help the widow settle her financial affairs. In the process, they ask for personal financial information such as account and identification numbers.

In Michigan, scam artists have been calling seniors offering assistance to help them enroll in the new Medicare prescription drug benefit plan. To receive help, the senior must provide personal identification information which the callers then use to steal assets.

Illinois police say a couple have been approaching elderly women who are getting in their cars. They tell her that her car is leaking gas, but of course, the man can fix this very dangerous condition. Once they have her trust, they steal from her.

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