Tips for the Elderly: Avoid Being Scammed

The sense of security and self sufficiency that older people get from continuing to live at home can be shattered if they become victims of fraud. Here are some practical ways to reduce the risk of fraud:

• Direct Deposit : A paper check can easily end up in the wrong hands through mail theft or deception. Having pension checks and other regular income sent directly to a bank account electronically eliminates this risk.
  
• Do Not Call Registry: Scammers prey on the elderly and they have tricks that can potentially fool even the smartest among us. One of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of being scammed over the telephone is to register with the Do Not Call Registry. This will also reduce the number of calls from annoying but legal businesses. 
  
  
• Caller ID : Caller ID has its uses. An elderly person can screen their calls and only pick up when they recognize a number as being from friends or family. Scammers have recently gained access to technology that lets them spoof their identity. The AARP recently reported on a scam where fraudulent callers accused elderly persons of missing jury duty. They proceeded to ask them for their Social Security number. The telephone number of the local courthouse showed up on caller ID and many people fell for it, thus exposing themselves to identity theft.
  
• Ignore Direct Mailing Scams: Here’s a simple rule to remember. You can’t win a prize from a contest that you didn’t enter. Shady enterprises appear to target the addresses of elderly people with a larger share of junk mail. The bulk of it should be thrown out. If in doubt, seniors can hold onto a piece of mail until a trusted family member or friend can offer their opinion.
  
• Avoid Medicare Drug Discount Card Scams: No legitimate companies sell Medicare discount cards by phone or through door-to-door sales. There’s no gray area here. Real discount cards can be purchased from anyone on Medicare’s list of approved dealers. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to find out more.
  
• Never Disclose Personal or Financial Information: If you receive a phone call from anyone claiming to be a representative of your financial institution, credit card company or other service provider ask them for a telephone number so that you can call them back.
  

-Birdy