{"id":5654,"date":"2015-07-22T07:00:36","date_gmt":"2015-07-22T12:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senioradvisor.com\/blog\/?p=5654"},"modified":"2017-09-19T13:08:41","modified_gmt":"2017-09-19T18:08:41","slug":"senior-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d30braiqprupoq.cloudfront.net\/blog\/2015\/07\/senior-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

Protect Your\u00a0Senior Parents From These Scams\"Senior<\/h1>\n

I often hear horrible stories from families concerning an elderly loved one who was short-changed or downright scammed, financially or otherwise.<\/p>\n

In many instances, the perpetrators were skilled nursing facilities where the\u00a0loved one resided\u00a0at some point in their past.<\/p>\n

Typically, I try to stay away from participating in such conversations because I am intimately familiar with the competitor \u201cfacilities\u201d who engage in these types of shenanigans. It is true that they tarnish our industry and cede to the basest behavior by taking advantage of families when they are most vulnerable.<\/p>\n

Indeed, my parents always taught me that there are two ways to grow: one can climb a mountain, or dig a trench all around them. There are far too many people who dig trenches to further their own agenda.<\/p>\n

A stellar nursing home will rest\u00a0rest on its own merits and does not not need to engage in \u201cdigging trenches.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the same time, I am protective over the elderly and infirm, who are often placed in nursing facilities for long term care.<\/p>\n

The Regency Alliance on Senior Healthcare <\/b>has put together this excellent tutorial on the topic of con-artists and scammers of all stripes. The article is geared towards the elderly, but is no less germane and relevant to folks of all ages. I hope you derive much benefit from it!<\/p>\n

Con Artists<\/h2>\n

Safeguarding your money, your assets and your identity from theft and fraud<\/p>\n

Con-artists come in different shapes and disguises, but the objective is always the same!<\/div>\n

This clever actor charms elderly victims by phone with an affable \u201cnice guy\u201d approach. Deceptive and dishonest, this tele-trickster is the last person you would want to invite into your home! You\u2019re right if you guessed\u2026 he\u2019s a con artist!<\/i><\/p>\n

According to the U.S. Congress, Americans lose an estimated $40 billion each year due to the unethical activities of fraudulent \u201csalespeople.\u201d Con artists will try to take money as well as property and other valuable assets. Sweepstakes tend to be the most prevalent of all con artist scams but they might also be disguised as home improvement deals, real estate investments, inventions, or even false charities. Knowing how to spot these scams will help you identify a con artist and may someday save you from heartache and financial disaster.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the deal?<\/h2>\n

Most people are not likely to fall for a scam if it actually sounds like one, so these phony deals are usually disguised as something else:<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Something for nothing<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A legitimate sweepstakes<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A free gift<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A great vacation<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A new you (youth and\/or beauty)<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A sure cure<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 High profits at a low risk<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A chance to make a quick buck<\/p>\n

Watch the pitch<\/h2>\n

Most con artists use key words and phrases to make you feel important or to pressure you to act quickly. For example:<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have been selected as one of ten finalists for our sweepstakes offer.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u201cAs a senior citizen, you have already been pre-approved.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u201cThis is not for every one, so keep it a secret.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u201cCash or credit card only, no checks.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i>\u201cYou must decide now. If you hang up, you will lose this opportunity.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

Common scams and frauds<\/h2>\n

The object of any con game is to get you to part with your money. Most of these scams are initiated by people who approach you on the street or call you at home. Be suspicious of ANY plan, idea, scheme, or so-called business deal that requires you to give money \u2013 or access to your money \u2013 to a stranger. Here are some of the more common scams:<\/p>\n

The Bank Examiner<\/i><\/h3>\n

Someone calls you claiming to be a bank examiner or police investigator who needs your help to catch a \u201cdishonest\u201d bank employee. He usually asks for your account number and account balance. He may tell you that the bank records show a much smaller balance and that he suspects a teller must be stealing the money. He asks you to withdraw a large sum of money from your account and give it to him so he can do an audit or check serial numbers, after which the money will be re-deposited. Of course, you never see him or your money again.<\/p>\n

Door-To-Door Sales<\/i><\/h3>\n

Often times con artists will try to get you to subscribe to a magazine or offer a cure for a medical condition. They may also offer a free inspection of your home for problems with your furnace, hot water tank, appliance, or garage door. Whatever the con artist has to offer, simply say no and report them to your local police. More than likely they need to have a solicitor or business license of some type from your local city hall in order to conduct such door-to-door business. The con may even have an I.D. that appears to have been issued by your local government office. Check it carefully.<\/p>\n

The Fake Lottery Ticket<\/i><\/h3>\n

Someone with a foreign accent approaches you on the street and tells you he has a winning lottery ticket, worth $100,000 or more, but he cannot cash it in because he is not a U.S. citizen. He even verifies the winning numbers by calling a number and letting you listen to a phony recording of winning lottery numbers. He offers to sell you the ticket for just a few thousand dollars. You jump at the chance to make such easy money and help someone out at the same time. Of course the lottery ticket is worthless and you have lost your money. (Someone close to me actually fell prey to a similar scheme.)<\/p>\n

Home Improvement Scheme<\/i><\/h3>\n

A man drives up to your house in a commercial van or pickup truck, dressed in workman\u2019s clothing. He tells you he has just finished a large roofing job (or driveway resurfacing, etc.) and has some materials left over.\u00a0 He tells you he will use the leftover materials to repair your roof, driveway, or other repair work, at a large discount. If you agree, he will do a quick, shoddy job with cheap material.<\/p>\n

The Phony C.O.D. Scam<\/i><\/h3>\n

The con artist will scout a neighborhood to find an unoccupied home, then check a city directory to find out the homeowner\u2019s name. Armed with this information, he will fill out a phony shipping label and apply it to a box of rocks or other junk. Returning to the house dressed as a delivery man, he will knock or ring the bell, properly setting the stage for his next act. Getting no answer, he will go to a neighbor, you, and ask that you accept the package and pay the C.O.D. fee.<\/p>\n

Credit Card Fraud and Stolen Identities\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/h3>\n

These days you have to be especially diligent in safeguarding not just your credit cards, but your identity as well. It is very easy for a criminal to steal your good name and then proceed to destroy it, leaving you with a pile of debts and scores of angry creditors. Identity thieves often search through people\u2019s garbage to find what they need to assume your identity. Even something as innocent as old discarded phone or utility bills can put you at risk. Con artists use these documents to obtain a phony ID with your name and their picture. Then, they can go all over town applying for credit cards in your name and running up big bills. Thieves also steal from mailboxes. New checks and credit cards are favorite targets. Also, if you leave bill payments out for the mailman to pick up, this mail can be stolen and your checks \u201cwashed\u201d to remove dollar amounts and payee information. Your signature is left untouched. The crook then makes the check out to a phony name for a much higher amount and cashes it.<\/p>\n

The Funeral Chaser<\/i><\/h3>\n

Shortly after a relative dies, someone delivers a product to your door that the deceased allegedly ordered before his or her death. You may even get a bill for an expensive item along with a request to make the final few payments. This scam artist uses newspaper obituaries to prey on bereaved families. Please understand that you are not responsible for anyone else\u2019s purchases. If a claim is legitimate, the estate will settle the matter.<\/p>\n

Medicare Number Theft<\/i><\/h3>\n

Since many seniors rely on their Medicare health insurance, it\u2019s no surprise that many elder fraud scams originate from that source. Often, fraudulent medical equipment companies offer free supplies to unsuspecting seniors in return for their Medicare numbers. However, the patient\u2019s doctor is required to order and sign for all equipment and products before Medicare will pay for them. The most important tips when it comes to spotting health insurance fraud include:<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Never sign a blank insurance claim form<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Never provide unchecked medical authorization for billing purposes<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Always thoroughly review Medicare\u2019s terms of payment<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Never give out your Medicare number to a person you don\u2019t trust<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confirm with your physician if you\u2019re unsure of a product that\u2019s\u00a0been ordered<\/p>\n

You do have choices<\/b><\/p>\n

If the sweepstakes offer, deal or business opportunity sounds too good to be true, your instincts are probably correct. If you\u2019re not interested, hang up the phone<\/a><\/strong>! However, if you believe an offer is legitimate, take steps to protect yourself and those close to you:<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be careful of all sweepstakes that attempt to lure you with words like \u201cfinalist\u201d and \u201cgrand-prize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t be swayed by a free gift or offer and make sure to always\u00a0check references.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Take notes, including date and time of calls, callers\u2019 names and any\u00a0peculiar statements or conditions.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t give out your credit card information unless you made the call.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t give out checking account numbers or send money by messenger\u00a0or overnight delivery.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Talk to someone \u2013 your lawyer, accountant or banker \u2013 before making a\u00a0financial commitment.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Read before you sign.\u00a0 Do not sign anything you have not read and\u00a0understood.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Before agreeing to buy the latest healthcare cure, call your doctor or\u00a0local medical society to check out the salesman and product.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Save all documentation, including letters, postcards, telephone bills,\u00a0canceled checks, ATM cards, credit card statements and mailing\u00a0envelopes. Should you discard anything, make sure to shred it first.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Avoid answering machine greetings like \u201cWe\u2019re on vacation\u201d or \u201cWe\u2019re\u00a0not home\u201d and if you live alone, don\u2019t volunteer the information. An ideal recorded greeting is \u201cWe are sorry we can\u2019t get to the phone right now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Good Luck!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Protect Your\u00a0Senior Parents From These Scams I often hear horrible stories from families concerning an elderly loved one who was short-changed or downright scammed, financially or otherwise. In many instances, the perpetrators were skilled nursing facilities where the\u00a0loved one resided\u00a0at some point in their past. Typically, I try to stay away from participating in such conversations because I am intimately […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4229,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[200,29],"tags":[611,196],"class_list":{"0":"post-5654","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-families-caregivers","7":"category-caregiving","8":"tag-safety-tips","9":"tag-technology-tips-for-seniors"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nProtect Your Senior Parents From These Scams<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The elderly are a popular target for scammers and con artists. 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