So many of our elderly loved ones are being victimized by a myriad of scams. Sometimes our loved ones will not tell anyone about what is happening because they feel embarrassed and foolish about being tricked.  Why is this happening more, and more often to the seniors and how can we help them understand how to protect themselves? We will be addressing these issues in a “mini series” of posts to help our loved ones of all ages better protect themselves.

Fraud Against Seniors

The FBI’s Common Fraud Schemes webpage provides tips on how you can protect yourself and your family from fraud. Senior citizens especially should be aware of fraud schemes for the following reasons: 

• Senior citizens are most likely to have a “nest egg,” to own their home, and/or to have excellent credit—all of which make them attractive to con artists.
• People who grew up in the 1930’s, 1940’s, and 1950’s were generally raised to be polite and trusting. Con artists exploit these traits, knowing that it is difficult or impossible for these individuals to say “no” or just hang up the telephone.
• Older Americans are less likely to report a fraud because they don’t know who to report it to, are too ashamed at having been scammed, or don’t know they have been scammed. Elderly victims may not report crimes, for example, because they are concerned that relatives may think the victims no longer have the mental capacity to take care of their own financial affairs.
• When an elderly victim does report the crime, they often make poor witnesses. Con artists know the effects of age on memory, and they are counting on elderly victims not being able to supply enough detailed information to investigators. In addition, the victims’ realization that they have been swindled may take weeks—or more likely, months—after contact with the fraudster. This extended time frame makes it even more difficult to remember details from the events.
• Senior citizens are more interested in and susceptible to products promising increased cognitive function, virility, physical conditioning, anti-cancer properties, and so on. In a country where new cures and vaccinations for old diseases have given every American hope for a long and fruitful life, it is not so unbelievable that the con artists’ products can do what they claim.

Telemarketing Fraud for Seniors

If you are age 60 or older—and especially if you are an older woman living alone—you may be a special target of people who sell bogus products and services by telephone. Telemarketing scams often involve offers of free prizes, low-cost vitamins and health care products, and inexpensive vacations. For more information and tips to avoid these scams please visit the Telemarketing Fraud webpage.

Taken from: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/seniors

 

Health Insurance Fraud

How we protect ourselves from Health Insurance fraud.

1. Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
2. Never give blanket permission to a medical provider to bill for services rendered.
3. Ask your medical providers what they will charge and what you will be expected to pay out-of-pocket.
4. Carefully review your insurer’s explanation of the benefits statement. Call your insurer and provider if you have questions.
5. Do not do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who tell you that services of medical equipment are free.
6. Give your insurance/Medicare identification only to those who have provided you with medical services.
7. Keep accurate records of all health care appointments.
8. Know if your physician ordered equipment for you.

Taken from: https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/money-management/scams-security/22-tips-to-avoid-scams-swindles/