While it may seem unbelievable to some, there are many seniors out there that become the victim of scammers. Some have even been taken for thousands of dollars. In total, research has shown that about $36 billion are scammed from seniors each year. Scammers are very good at what they do, and they use senior’s trustworthiness to prey upon them.
Understanding what the biggest scams are and how to avoid them could save you or your loved one not only a lot of money, but also a lot of hassle and embarrassment.
Top Senior Scams
Phone Scams
Problem: How many times have you received a call from someone in Zimbabwe saying that you have won a huge amount of money, and all you need to do to get it is pay a small fee for shipping and handling? These kinds of calls and others are taking place all the time, and they’re constantly evolving as people start to wise up. Other similar calls can come from someone saying that they are from the IRS and that you owe back taxes, saying that if you don’t pay they will have the police come and arrest you for tax evasion. Not only is this most likely false, the IRS will never contact you by phone or email. They only do their business through the United States Postal Service.
Solution: It’s very unlikely that you’ve won a huge lottery from some foreign country, so just hang up on all those right off the bat. If any caller says you need to send them money before something can happen, note their number, hang up, do some research, and if it’s legitimate, like from a debt collector, call them back. Even be weary of debt collectors, because even they will send you something in the mail before calling you.
Internet Scams
Problem: Scammers have realized the potential possibilities of using the internet to scam people, specifically seniors. If one isn’t as knowledgeable with technology then they are more apt to get scammed. Some of the scams are pretty complex, which involve having a person click a link that then downloads a virus that can take personal information from the computer, including credit card numbers, and then send it back to scammers. Identities have been stolen this way, along with lots of money. Scammers use pop-ups, email, strange websites that mimic trusted ones, and more, all in an effort to take something from you that’s not theirs.
Solution: Typically, trusted websites don’t use pop-ups anymore, so it’s safe to assume that any pop-ups are likely junk and you should just ignore them. When you get an email, make sure you don’t just go click happy on all the links in the email. Make sure you know who the email came from and that you trust it. If it seems strange, delete it. Making sure you have virus and malware protection software on your computer can help, but not always. And, make sure that your software is trusted and constantly updated. Some software actually hinders your computer to make sure you upgrade to their more expensive service. In essence, do your research and if you have questions, ask someone with more knowledge.
Conclusion
Being diligent when giving out your personal and sensitive information is key to avoid being scammed. Making sure that you do some research or ask family or friends about something can prevent you from being on the bad end of a scam.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, Dining Perfected, and Fitness Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
