Don't Get Fooled: Frauds Impacting Seniors

There are many scammers targeting seniors with fraudulent claims and offers.

Here are some highlights taken from the FBI webpage on Common Fraud Schemes.

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.

Always check out unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, state attorney general, the National Fraud Information Center, or other watchdog groups. Unfortunately, not all bad businesses can be identified through these organizations.

Be wary of companies that want to send a messenger to your home to pick up money, claiming it is part of their service to you. In reality, they are taking your money without leaving any trace of who they are or where they can be reached.

Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won't pressure you to make a snap decision.

Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.

If you have been victimized once, be wary of persons who call offering to help you recover your losses for a fee paid in advance.

Do not do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who tell you that services of medical equipment are free.

Give your insurance/Medicare identification only to those who have provided you with medical services.

Do you have any questions about fraud?