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CONSUMER ALERT: DILIGENCE AND EDUCATION THWARTSCAMSProtecting Seniors and the Elderly in Rockville Maryland
By Warren Miller
Bernie Madoff-like ponzi frauds, foreign lottery winnings ploys and work-at-homecheck cashing schemes. These are just a few of the scams that have madeheadlines over the past year. Scams and fraudulent business practices that intendto swindle can impact anyone including the affluent and highly educated, as well asthe non-native speaking, the poor and the elderly. In difficult economic times,scammers continually search for new ways to deceive. Recently publicized scamsinclude individuals posing as bank officials offering to refinance mortgages or toconfirm account numbers via the Internet or over the phone.
 Anyone
with a phone, mail box, Internet access or front door can be a possible scamtarget. Scammers prey on the weakness of human nature or a specificdemographic group. They understand that most people want a “great deal” ordesire to be wealthier and more beautiful. Scams are often targeted to individualswith unique backgrounds and special needs, including seniors.“Scam artists steal more than money for a product or service. They steal a senior’sdignity, trust and self esteem,” said Allen Hager, CEO and founder of Right at Home,a national provider of in-home care with 160 locations in 41 states. “Education andawareness are key components of stopping scams and protecting our loved ones.”It has been the experience of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that theelderly are targeted for fraud for several reasons:-Seniors grew up in an era in which your word was your bond and a handshakeclosed a deal. They assume that if someone seems nice, they must betrustworthy.-These individuals were raised to be polite, especially if they are showing thetime to care. Many scammers prey on their loneliness and desire forconversation.-Seniors have money to spend. Many seniors have retirement savings, owntheir home and have an excellent credit rating.-As seniors strive for independence, they have an increased need for goodsand services to maintain their homes. They make purchase decisions withoutthe input of others.
 
-Mental or physical impairments are used by perpetrators to confuse theelderly. Scammers can give one price, but demand more money after theservice is completed, claiming the senior did not clearly hear or completelyunderstand the price.-Seniors are least likely to report a fraud since they are afraid that relativeswill doubt their mental competency. They fear that they will seem foolishsince they fell for a fraud.Most common senior scams according to FBI:
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Health Insurance (“rolling lab” schemes, medical equipment fraud,Medicare fraud)
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Counterfeit Prescription Drugs (“Special deals” or on-line purchases)
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Funeral and Cemetery Fraud (contracts, refund terms, embalming rules)
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 Telemarketing (“get rich quick” schemes, travel offers, often involveprizes)
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Anti-aging Products (vitamins, creams, “secret” formulas,“breakthroughs”)
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Investment Schemes (advance-fee, Nigerian letter, Prime bank notes)
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Internet Fraud (non-delivery of items, credit/debit card fraud)
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Charitable Fraud (non-existent charity) Things to remember to stop scamming by Stopseniorscams.org:
1.
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2.
When it comes to a "now or never" opportunity, choose "never."
3.
Keep account numbers, codes and passwords private. Be wary of givingany information out to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call.
4.
Shred bills, junk mail and receipts before discarding them.
5.
Don't be afraid to report your experiences. If you feel uncomfortable, tellsomeone.If you have any questions regarding a company, contact your local Better BusinessBureau (BBB) atwww.bbb.orgto check its service or complaint record. To find outyour legal rights if you or a family member has been a victim of a fraud, contact theConsumer Protection Division of yourstate Office of the Attorney General. A numberof federal and state laws are designed to protect consumers from unethical businesspractices including theFederal Trade Commissionor thePostal Inspector. If an individual has been victimized once, he or she becomes a more likely target foradditional scams. You can take precautions to avoid a second incident, includingchanging the senior’s phone number and making it unlisted. The telephonecompany can also block all outgoing 900 numbers. In addition, a family member,caregiver or friend can assist seniors with sorting mail and identifying possiblescams.
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