The Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors (And How to Avoid Them)
Seniors are often targeted by con artists. Scams are most often conducted through the phone, mail, or internet. The FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the United States Justice Department, and many local law enforcement groups have all made statements about seniors being targeted for scams. Women over 60 who live alone are particularly susceptible.
In recent years, con artists have taken advantage of a number of older Americans by scamming seniors. Realizing that many seniors have money but little knowledge of technology or current scams, criminals see opportunity. You can help protect seniors by sharing information with them about common senior-targeting scams.
How to Protect the Elderly
Encourage seniors to:
- Allow loved ones to be involved in their finances
- Ask a trusted loved one about any requests for personal or financial information
- Require written documentation before agreeing to a contract or giving away information
- Ask for a certified letter when government agencies call
- Never hire someone or allow someone inside if they are going to door-to-door
- Refuse to make on-the-spot decisions, ask for contact information instead
- Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry 1 (888) 382-1222
- Verify with known representatives using official provider numbers when receiving calls on the provider’s behalf
For more tips on protecting seniors from scams, check out our free Marketing Monthly program! Marketing Monthlies are a great source of information, and they are also available as PDFs so you can distribute them to clients, their family members, and prospects.
