Seniors being robbed with fraudulent inquiries and scams

By Nancy Beland, Owner Starfish Resouces
Making a Difference for Seniors
www.starfishresources.net

The famous showman P.T. Barnum reportedly once said, “There is a sucker born every minute”. Many that knew the man said this statement was out of character. In fact, the statement has been accredited to several other people of that time. Whether or not P.T. Barnum actually said it does not truly matter. What does is that the statement is technically true. There are many gullible people in the world. Most folks aren’t taken in because of their I.Q., education level or their income status. Generally, it’s because they are trying to do the right thing. And, while meaning well they get ripped off.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to fraudulent scams. Specifically scam artists will generally target them. Recently a new scam came to light right here in San Diego. Two senior residents from the same retirement community have been taken in by this new scam. One lost quite a bit of money while the other was barely saved by a vigilant bank clerk. Here is how this new scam goes.

A young man phones the senior. He is quite excited and upset.
He may even cry. He calls you Grandma or Grandpa. He tells you
that he is in trouble and he needs your help. He needs money. He
begs you not to tell his parents. He says he is either in jail or in Canada
and can not get back into the US without this money. He instructs you
to take a cab, go to the bank, withdraw the required funds and wire the
money to him. He gives you the address. He again begs you not to tell
his parents as they will be very upset and disappointed in him.
He is very convincing.

Of course, this is not your grandson. Heaven only knows where this money will actually end up. But you can believe it’s not going to help anyone you know.

If a caller says any of the following to you, hang up.
“You must act now! Or the offer will not be valid”
“you have won a free gift, or prize,” but you have to pay the postage or handling
“You must send money, a check, or give credit card or bank account information
“You don’t need to check the company or the offer out with anyone such as family or the better business bureau or consumer protection agency.”
“You don’t need any written information or references regarding the offer or the company”
“You can’t afford to miss this”

Scams are showing up on emails frequently, too. One recent scam going around states that the recipient of the email has won a prize which is being help by FedEx in either the United Kingdom or in Africa. All you have to do is send them then handling fees and the prize will be released to you immediately. Do not believe it!
Additionally, the Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers to be on the lookout for tricky pop ups after your purchase. These discounts that are being offered are from 3rd party marketing firms, and are not related to the purchase you just made.

Here are some tips to help you:
1) Know who you are dealing with (be sure to verify any information or identification)
2) Do not let anyone into your home without proper reason and ID. If the person says they are from the phone company, they should have a company ID with them to prove it.
Why are they there? Did you request assistance? If not, you should call the company they say they are from to verify the reason for the visit. Leave the person wishing to enter on the porch with the door locked between you. If they are legitimate they will wait.
3) Sign up for direct deposit for any checks that may be coming to you (such as your social security)
4) Register your home phone with the do not call registry to reduce telemarketer calls (1-888-382-1222).
5) Ignore direct mail advertising – do not even open it. Throw it away.
6) Do not listen to any offers regarding Medicare prescription plans presented over the phone. If you have questions regarding your plans contact Medicare directly 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).
7) Assign a power of attorney – forms are readily available from your attorney, the senior center, the internet – you can change your assignment any time you wish.
8) Do not give out personal or financial information over the phone or to anyone that asks you unless you have solicited them. If they have contacted you, they should have whatever information they need. If not, hang up or walk away.
9) Ask anyone requesting charitable funds over the phone to mail you the information and you will consider it.
10) If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. Hang up or walk away.

Always report any fraudulent activity such as scams to the authorities.

For a free package on consumer protection contact:
The Federal Citizen Information center
Pueblo, Colorado
1-888-8 PUEBLO (1-888-878-3256)