Financial scams targeting seniors are prevalent. There are a number of reasons for this. For one thing, criminals see seniors as “easy targets.” This is particular to those who have started to experience cognitive decline. Criminals also prey on elders because it is not uncommon for a senior to be embarrassed about falling for a scam and therefore not report it to the police. And, because these criminal acts are conducted through the mail or by phone, they are seen by the culprits as low-risk crimes. As a provider of senior care help in the home, we caution seniors and their families to be wary.
Be on the Lookout for These Deceptions
There are many ways that criminals try to take advantage of seniors. Here are are some of the most common types of scams:
- Medicare scams. Perpetrators pretend to be a Medicare representative as a way to get seniors to divulge private information. They then use it for a variety of purposes, including billing the program for services that have not been provided.
- Telemarketing scams. There are a number of ways that criminals attempt to get money or personal information from a senior on the phone. This includes posing as the representative of a charitable organization following a highly publicized natural disaster.
- Anti-aging product fraud. Seniors looking to improve their health or appearance may fall victim to criminals. The perpetrators sell bogus remedies for an array of issues or ailments.
- Funeral scams. These illegal activities may involve attending the funeral of a total stranger and asking the surviving spouse to pay an outstanding debt incurred by the deceased. In other instances, unscrupulous funeral homes will convince a grieving senior to pay for unnecessary products or services by leading them to believe they are required.
- Counterfeit prescription drug scams. Prescription medications can be very expensive. This is especially for seniors who need multiple drugs. Criminals prey on victims who get on the internet in search of lower-cost alternatives to their medications. They sell them phony medications that not only are ineffective, which puts a senior’s health at risk, but may also be dangerous in and of themselves.
Senior Care Help from Seniors Who Have a Person’s Health and Safety in Mind
Our senior caregivers at Seniors Helping Seniors can relate to being targeted by criminals. Consequently, they are always happy to share some helpful advice. They love to thwart the bad guys when they can. The best defense is for seniors to ask lots of questions and then tell the person they will be checking with family and friends before making any decisions.
Contact us today to learn more about our offerings in a free consultation! We’re honored to provide quality care for seniors by seniors in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Johnstown, Berthoud, Ault, Firestone, Wellington, Windsor, Frederick, Laporte and surrounding areas.