5 Summer Scams That Target Seniors

07/17/2014
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Summer Scams: Be Cautious and Beware

We all want to believe in the honesty of others, and fortunately most often we’re not let down. However, it’s important to remain vigilant when someone comes knocking at your door or calling on the phone; especially if you’re a senior. There are some very unscrupulous individuals out there who target seniors for their scams. So be on guard this summer and particularly be mindful of the following scams.

5 Common Summer Scams Seniors Should Beware

  1. Grandparent Scam – A senior might receive an urgent phone call from someone who claims to be a grandchild in an emergency and needs money fast. The caller might say they’re out of town as they beg the grandparent not to tell his or her parents but to wire money quickly. Scammers might use actual relatives’ names and information they get from social media.
  1. Jury Duty Scam – The caller will claim to be a court officer and say there’s a warrant for the victim’s arrest, for failing to report for jury duty. The caller also claims there’s a fine for not showing up, and that unless the fine is paid immediately, via Green Dot Card Money Card or Western Union MoneyGram, the victim will be arrested.
  1. Lottery Scam – The caller claims you’ve won a foreign lottery and requests that you wire money or send a check to cover taxes and fees. Legitimate contests don’t request money upfront. The caller might even ask for bank information, claiming they want to direct deposit your winnings electronically. Do not give out your bank information.
  1. IRS Scam – The caller says they’re an IRS agent or police officer calling about a past due tax balance. Unless the debt is paid immediately with a Green Dot Card Money Card or Western Union MoneyGram, officers will arrest the victim that day, the caller claims. These scammers might use caller ID hacks, so that the ID name or number appears to be that of the IRS.
  1. Utility Scam – The caller claims to be a local utility provider representative. Sometimes they have the victim’s correct account number and may have obtained personal information via social media. They tell the resident that they have to pay a late utility bill immediately, via Green Dot Card Money Card or Western Union MoneyGram, or service will be cut. Another way they try to target you is by posing as a cable or other utility worker to try and gain access to your home. There is recent incident of this going on in Toledo, Ohio right now. It has been reported that a man driving an unmarked white van is posing as a cable worker and approaching homeowners. If any utility worker, city worker, police officer or other government official approaches you and tries to gain access to your home, you should ask to see their id. If you are still unsure, call the company and ask if they have a representative or employee scheduled to visit your home. Don't let strangers in your house unless you are sure they are who they say they are.

For additional information about senior scams

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Fraud Watch Network gives you access to information about how to protect yourself and your family. Non-members and members alike can get Watchdog Alerts, stay up on con artists’ latest tricks, and find out what to do if you’ve been victimized. It’s free for everyone because AARP is committed to safeguarding Americans’ financial futures.

 

Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. If you’re seeking a senior residence for yourself or a loved one, visit alternativesforseniors.com. There you’ll locate great resources for finding the right senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community.

 

BLOG Date: Thursday, July 17, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen