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YAZOO DAILY HERALD

YAZOO CITY, MS

CIrculation::. 3651
SI·WEEKLY
10/14/2009
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Don't let
seniors fall
for scams

The Yazoo Herald

() ,I,?O
It is well known that .-. Check with trusted
elderly individuals individuals (financial
tend to be more likely advisor, family, friend)
to fall for scams, Even before making any sig­
though elder fraud nificant transfer for
often goes unreported, money or shares.
an estimated $40 bi!­ o Shred all bills,
lion+ is stolen in elder notices and personal
fraud activities every mail before throwing
year, them away.
"The phrase 'If it's o Resist the lure of
too good to be true, it winning a lottery or
probably is' rings true sweepstakes and don't
in many instances," sign up for "free" prod­
said Bill Moak, Presi­ ucts or services,
dent/CEO of the Better o Just hang up.
Busine.ss Bu~au.-sei'V­ Don't worry about
ing MississippL "Law being polite - just don't
enforcement agencies have conversations
often remark about the with unknown individ­
difficulty in bringing uals asking for person­
elder fraud perpetra­ al information or offer­
tors to justice because ing great "deals",
they are so prolific,"
The BBB offers the
following fraud preven­
tion checklist:
o Avoid sending mon­
ey or providing person­
al financial informa­
tion,
o Be cautious in dis­
closing your bank,
credit card and Social
Security numbers,
o Do not speak at
length with people who
are unfamiliar to you.
o Decline answering
questions of a private
nature online, on the
telephone or at your
door,
o Do not sign any
documents without
reviewing them care­
fully.
o Have a trusted
family member or
friend review any doc­
uments before signing
them,
o VerilY all claims,
Don't take the word
of someone offering to
do work or provide a
service. Check refer"
ences and contact the
BBB to verify the repu­
tation of businesses
unknown to you,
o Reach out for help
before investing or
spending considerable
amounts of money,