Your parents call you excitedly to inform you that they have won the sweepstakes. To receive their prize, they will need to send 1000 dollars. You can tell them that it is one of many frauds targeting older adults.
Unfortunately, senior living community residents are vulnerable to bad intentions. A recent report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows that scammers are targeting elderly people living in senior living communities and at home. More than 92,000 seniors over 60 reported losses of $1.7B in 2021. This represents a 74% increase in losses compared to the previous year.
To avoid being scammed by older adults, there are steps seniors can take.
Emails and phone calls should be recorded
Don’t answer the phone if you don’t know who it is calling. Most senior living communities and cell phones now have caller ID, which identifies the person calling and their phone number. Don’t answer the telephone if you don’t know the number. Callers who have a voicemail or answering machine will leave a message if they have a legitimate reason for calling you. This is also true for older adults living in senior living communities. Be suspicious of unusual email addresses and ignore unsolicited mail.
Do not be deceived by phone numbers that look the same as yours
Caller ID alone is not enough to verify a caller in senior living facilities. Scammers can spoof your phone number to appear like they are calling from a legitimate company. They may not be calling from the United States, in reality. If you’re not sure, do not answer the phone, or respond to suspicious emails.
Don’t give out any personal information via email or phone.
Unsolicited emails or phone calls from people claiming to be representatives of a government agency or company seeking personal information should be ignored. To verify that it is genuine, call the number listed on your account statement. Senior living communities’ employees should be able to help you locate a phone number or an email address.
Your name will be removed from all call lists
To reduce fraud risk for seniors living in senior communities, the Federal Trade Commission maintains an online Do Not Call registry. You can access the registry online, or by calling (888) 382-1222. Report the caller to FTC if you continue to receive telemarketing calls. Remember that callers who keep calling are more likely to have bad intentions and will continue to do so. Notification: Phone numbers on this list will not be removed from any lists of charities, surveys or debt collectors.
Do not fall for the “Can you hear me?” scams that target older adults
One common scam that targets older adults is when a caller or robocaller asks you “Can you hear my voice?” or “Are there you?” The goal of the scam is to get you to answer “Yes” to allow them to use your voice signature to authorize unwelcome transactions. Don’t respond. Hang up. Don’t press any number to speak with a live operator. These actions could result in more robocalls.
Verify the identity of anyone calling you for family members
Another common scam targeting seniors living in senior communities is their family. The callers claim they are calling on behalf of a loved person, usually, a grandchild, who is in trouble with the law or being held, hostage. They want money to pay for an emergency, such as paying a bill, getting out of jail or fixing a vehicle that is not working. The FTC says that scammers will often ask grandparents to keep the call secret in order to avoid getting their grandchild into trouble. To confirm their safety, hang up and contact the relative.
This scam is not only for Grande Cypress residents but also for those who live in independent living communities.
Refrain from reacting to pressure
Be suspicious of calls that insist on you giving information right away. Tell the caller to contact you by mail. Tell a senior living community co-worker to report the incident.
Keep an eye on loved ones suffering from memory loss.
One of the most obvious signs that a senior loved one may be experiencing memory loss is when they have trouble managing their finances. As they struggle to understand their account statements, difficulty understanding bank statements, or difficulties paying bills, early signs could include difficulties balancing the bank accounts, piling up mail, and difficulty paying bills. Unfortunately, this confusion makes them more susceptible to financial scams.
Seniors should be aware of their bank accounts and openly discuss where the money is going. This will help to prevent them from falling for scams that target older adults. You are not trying to take over their finances but to protect them from becoming victims of scams. Protecting your loved one from serious financial mistakes is smart.
Grande Cypress Assisted Living is a member of the Circle of Life Communities of assisted living facilities. Located on the stunning and serene Jewel Lake in Lake City, FL, Grande Cypress is sure to help you live your best life and live it well.
The facility is 35 beds and features three sizes of private and semi-private suites. Eight rooms with kitchenettes and all rooms furnished with a mini-refrigerator/microwave combo. Discover how truly wonderful assisted living can be. Call Jennifer Allender, Senior Living Consultant, at 386-365-4050 for more information or to make a reservation.
All Circle of Life Communities are committed to providing individuals a place to age with dignity while helping maintain a purpose in a safe and caring environment.
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