How To Avoid Scams: 5 Tips For Seniors

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Scams and fraud have been overly prevalent nowadays. The sad truth is that the elderly are the most vulnerable to these unwanted acts. Senior citizens tend to be more trusting and gullible than younger ones. They might also have more wealth, yet no one might watch over their finances. Another thing is that they are not tech savvies, which is one of the most used platforms by scammers these days. That’s why scam artists prey on them the most. 

Though the act of scamming is impossible to eradicate, there are ways to know how to be careful and protect yourself from being deceived and taken advantage of. It’d be beneficial to understand how to identify red flags and be sensitive to the possible schemes these scammers might trick you with. 

If you’re in your senior years wanting to be safe from scams and fraud, or you have a parent, friend, or neighbor who is one, you’re certainly on the right page. Check on the five essential tips to save yourself from the terrible position of being a prime target and prevent you from losing your money, dignity, and security.

 

 

• Get To Know Different Scheming Tactics

Remember that scammers are everywhere, observing their surroundings and looking for weak prey to attack. Therefore, you need to be as knowledgeable as possible so that you won’t be a casualty of one. 

Doing your research and knowing the different tactics scammers use is your first line of defense not to be a victim of such. You can read articles over the internet which discuss scam prevention. 

To give you an idea of how these scammers might find their way towards you, here are a few examples:

• Lottery/Reward/Charity Scam

Basically, scammers will pretend to represent a legitimate lottery or company, declaring that you’ve won a good amount of cash. As soon as you get hooked on this charity fraud and lottery scam, they’ll ask you to pay an amount to unlock your prize or donate a certain amount. 

• Relative Scheme

Scammers will pose as a long-lost relative or a son of a family member, asking you for financial help. 

• Fake Accident Ploy

Fraud artists will plot a fake accident, saying that someone in your family is a victim of an accident that badly needs medical help and financial aid for the hospital bills.

• Home Improvement/ Repair Scam

Home repairs are the primary platform for this scam. These con artists will knock on your door, saying that your house needs to be repaired. However, they won’t actually do the job but receive the cash for payment.

• Online Scams

Online scams are very rampant nowadays where you’ll receive an email or an attachment saying you need to update or verify something. As soon as you click the attached link, these hackers will have access to your computer, maneuvering it to stash you some cash without you knowing it.

 

• Gather More Information Beforehand

Never dig into the business right away, whether via call, personal, or email. If someone tells you that they are a representative of a specific company or a government agency, make sure to be intricate and gather as much information as possible. For example you can see who’s calling with a free phone lookup search, verifying the identity of the person on the other end of a call. You can also ask them to present you a certified letter with the company or agency’s official letterhead. Always make sure that who you’re transacting with is a legitimate and verified person you can trust.

 

• No On-The-Spot Decisions

Scammers will usually rush you to make decisions, saying you might miss the opportunity. They are very trained to manipulate your emotions and persuade you to take quick action. However, never make on-the-spot decisions. Legitimate companies will give you time to think and inform you about a particular decision’s risks.

 

• Do Not Trust Easily

Loneliness plays a significant role in why scammers prey on the elderly the most. Because they are alone and old, they tend to become the most potential victim to give in when shown with care and attention. However, it would be best to remember that not all “nice guys” are good people. Sometimes, they’ll use it as leverage to gain your trust and take advantage of you.

 

• Never Give Personal Information

In connection with the fourth tip, never give your personal information right away unless you’ve confirmed that it’s an official business. If you receive a suspicious phone call asking for important information like bank accounts, social security numbers, addresses, and passwords, be suspicious about it. Usually, companies do not ask for sensitive information as such.

 

Conclusion

Fraud and scams are inevitable. They are everywhere. Therefore, being careful is a must!

Doing your research, being suspicious and sensitive to possible deceit, and gathering more information beforehand are simple yet effective ways to save yourself from falling as a victim. 

Considering the five essential tips above will help you enjoy your senior years with confidence, notice every red flag, and save yourself from possible scams, threats, and danger.