Avoid Being a Victim of Fraud
Here are just a few important tips to prevent fraud and ensure your loved one remains safe.
- Never send cash or money orders through the mail.
- Check with a trusted family member, financial advisor or accountant before making a financial investment.
- Never spend money to claim a prize or a trip. (Furthermore, don’t believe anyone who tells you that you’ve won a prize. They are trying to keep you on the phone.)
- Keep all personal information in a safe and secure (preferably locked) location. This includes social security number, credit card numbers, life insurance policy numbers, bank accounts, investment accounts and passport.
- Never call a 900 number. Most of these numbers are scams and will cost you approximately two dollars or more per minute.
- Con artists are very good at sounding trustworthy and making their company sound legitimate. Check with a trusted family member before doing anything. Teach the senior always to say, “I’m going to check with my attorney before doing anything.” This will frighten the con artist and cause him to hang up.
- Never open the door to strangers, and never open the door after dark.
- When workers are in the home, put all valuables away in a safe place. Let a neighbor or family member know if a worker is going to be at the home. Ask the expected arrival time.
- Never discuss finances with anyone other than the immediate family.
- Have family members meet all “new” friends.
- Never authorize outside work to be done without a signed, written estimate.
- If a workman needs to call “his office” to discuss a price, be in the room where the call is being made and request that the worker speak in a language you can understand. If this isn’t possible, ask to speak to the supervisor directly.
- Get all warranties and guarantees in writing.
- Have a family member review any contractual agreements. They often come with monthly charges and require access to a credit card.
- Ask for references from all service providers.
- Don’t enter into a “deal” if you don’t understand or especially if someone is talking quickly and trying to get you to sign on the dotted line.
- Cyberspace fraud is running rampant. This is the easiest kind of fraud for con artists to enter into, because it is so easy to cancel or change websites. For seniors who are using the Internet, it is best to avoid making purchases unless a family member is there to assist with the purchase.
- Chat rooms are no place for vulnerable seniors. Don’t enter them.
- If you decide to buy something on the Internet, never provide personal information. If possible, always contact the company and speak to a customer-service representative.
