Seniors can make easy targets for fraud, whether it’s for unbelievable investment returns or fraudulent sweepstakes prizes. Fraud on seniors can happen by phone, mail, in person, or, less commonly, the Internet (because seniors are online in smaller numbers). It can happen to wealthy seniors, and those of limited means. According to the Federal Trade Commission, studies show con artists are more likely to target senior citizens than other age groups because they believe seniors are more susceptible to such scams. The FTC reports that fraudulent telemarketers direct from 56 to 80 percent of their calls at seniors. The need for senior fraud prevention has become greater than ever.
Following are some tips to make unwanted telemarketers go away. Tape it by your loved one’s phone and he or she will always have a polite—but firm—comeback for unscrupulous come-ons. (Of course, the best way to get rid of someone you don’t want to talk to is to simply hang up.)
Tip One: Never give personal information, such as bank account or social security numbers, to anyone over the phone, unless you initiated the call and know you’ve reached the right agency.
Comeback: “I don’t give out personal information over the phone. I’ll contact the company directly.”
Tip Two: Don’t believe it if the caller tells you to send money to cover the “handling
charge” or to pay taxes.
Comeback: “I shouldn’t have to pay for something that’s free.”
Tip Three: “Limited time offers” shouldn’t require you to make a decision on the spot.
Comeback: “I’ll think about it and call you back. What’s your number?”
Tip Four: Be suspicious of anyone who tells you not to discuss the offer with someone else.
Comeback: “I’ll discuss it with my family and friends and get back to you.”
Tip Five: If you don’t understand all the verbal details, ask for it in writing.
Comeback: “I can’t make a decision until I receive written information.”
The scammer will most likely keep trying to convince his intended victim, so it’s best to hang up after delivering the comeback line. Practice these comebacks with your loved one. Also, have your loved one tell telemarketers to take his or her name off their call list. If the telemarketers don’t, they’re breaking the law. Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry. As a last resort, get your loved one an unlisted phone number.
Myles McNamara is owner of Comfort Keepers In-home Care, providing assistance to seniors in the comfort of their own home. He can be reached at 661-287-4200. Comfort Keepers is located at 24355 Lyons Avenue, Suite 110 in Newhall.