Protect Seniors Against Scammers with 6 Critical Tips

If something looks too good to be true, it’s important to be wary. However, as you have probably experienced, life isn’t fair, and scams can occasionally be difficult to recognize. Here are some critical advice for seniors to avoid scams.

1. Guard Their Identity

One of the most widespread frauds, identity theft typically has the worst outcomes. They may lose access to accounts and have their credit score destroyed if their identity is taken.

Make secure passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters to fend off identity theft. An excellent idea is to enroll in credit monitoring. It’s a good idea to add your senior parents to your credit card accounts if you have any elderly parents. By doing so, you can keep an eye on their activities and prevent them from using an unfamiliar credit card to make a transaction.

2. Beware of Con Artists

Because they depend on their offspring to have access to their finances, older people are one of the categories that are most susceptible to scams.

It might be challenging to avoid scams since con artists are sometimes highly persuasive. It is wise to have senior family members change their passwords, freeze their credit, and even change their phone numbers if they have already been the target of a scam in order to prevent further targeting.

3. Watch Out During Tax Season

Scammers are frequently looking for chances to try and con people as tax season approaches. A fraudster can take advantage of people’s anxiety and desperation during tax season.

Make sure your senior parents are aware of the “IRS Impersonation Scam” if you have elderly parents. The con involves a caller impersonating an IRS representative. They will thereafter demand that you settle your “debt” over the phone. The money will be transferred to an account outside of the United States by the caller, who is impersonating the IRS.

4. Limit Your Social Media Sharing

Social media has developed into a fantastic tool for staying in touch with loved ones, but the drawback is that it has also made it simple for con artists to find their victims.

Make sure your senior has secured their social media accounts, and you or their caregivers should keep an eye on them to make sure they are not revealing any private information.

5. Watch Out For Job Offers

The work-at-home fraud is one of the most prevalent scams out there. These con games typically include someone sending you a job offer. You could be recruited to pack envelopes, for example. But you’ll understand you were duped when you send the company your money.

If you accept a job offer, do your homework on the business before sending any money. Numerous fraudulent websites exist that mimic legitimate job search engines. Even payment may be required to secure the position.

6. Avoid Accepting “Free” Gifts

Free stuff is wonderful, but it’s always a good idea to avoid anything that seems too good to be true.

If they receive a call from a business asking for their credit card number in exchange for a free present, hang up and let their caretakers know.

Hospice Workers You Can Count On

Hiring caregivers to help you get your senior loved one what they need is a fantastic idea if you have an elderly family member.

Seniors in the US lose hundreds of millions of dollars to fraud every year. Despite the fact that it may seem impossible to safeguard your loved ones from these frauds, there are numerous things you can do. St. Bernardine Hospice Care can be of assistance.