The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it also sees a rise in fraudulent activities, particularly targeting those in their golden years who are often more trusting of others. As family carers, it's crucial to be vigilant in avoiding holiday scams and protecting the older adults in our care from potential fraud.
Common Holiday Scams and How to Identify Them
There are various cons targeting those over 55 during this festive season. As a caregiver, it's essential to focus on avoiding holiday scams and to learn how to protect your loved one.
- Fake Charity Appeals: Be cautious of unexpected calls or emails requesting donations, especially during the holiday season, as scammers often create fake charities to solicit funds.
- Phishing Attempts: Be careful of emails or calls from individuals claiming to be from legitimate organizations that request personal or financial information. Reputable companies rarely request sensitive details in this manner.
- Too Good to Be True Offers: Beware of notifications about winning a prize for some raffle you didn't enter, especially if they ask for your information or payment with gift cards. Offers of large sums for little effort are likely shams.
- Unexpected Contact and Urgency: A major red flag is any urgent request for money or personal details, as swindlers use pressure to induce hasty decisions.
- Verify the Source: Verify the legitimacy of any organization by checking its official website or contacting it directly using a trusted phone number, not one provided in a suspicious email or call.
- Research Independently: Conduct your own research and choose a charity, rather than relying on unsolicited outreach.
Essential Tips for Protecting Seniors from Fraud
Family guardians are essential in safeguarding older adults from scams, especially during the holidays. Proactive measures can help prevent fraud and enable elderly loved ones and caregivers to collaborate in building a strong defense.
- Secure Documents and Information: Keep all essential documents (like insurance papers or financial statements) in a safe location and out of easy access.
- Strengthen Digital Security: Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for different accounts and have them changed regularly.
- Monitor Finances: Regularly review bank and credit card statements to identify and report any unauthorized or suspicious transactions promptly.
- Maintain Open Communication: Create a space where older individuals can freely discuss any suspicious activities, even if they've fallen for a con.
- Provide Ongoing Education: Hold frequent, gentle discussions and share written materials to educate elderly retirees about usual and new fraud tactics and potential risks.
- Stay Vigilant and Proactive: Family carers should regularly update seniors on the latest fraud schemes and offer advice for continuous vigilance.
Helping Seniors Avoid Holiday Scams
Preventing fraudulent activities requires vigilance from those caring for elderly loved ones. Staying informed can help protect those in their golden years from becoming victims, especially during the festive season. If you're in Kailua, Waimanalo, Waikiki, McCully-Moiliili, or MCBH Kaneohe Bay, contact us at Senior Helpers Honolulu-Kahala-Kailua for support. Our caregivers can assist with daily care tasks and other essential needs during seasonal celebrations.