3 Important Tips for Protecting Seniors from Frauds and Scams

It is no secret that seniors are often the target of a variety of scams, especially financial fraud. Unfortunately, we see it on the news regularly. Seniors are often targeted because they are more likely to have accumulated financial savings and have good credit. They are often trusting, especially when the perpetrators appeal to their emotions.

How can you help the seniors in your life stay safe from elder fraud? These three tips will help you understand how to protect seniors from becoming victims of fraudulent activity.

Educate Seniors on Frauds and Scams

Many seniors are simply unaware of the different types of scams that exist. From fake romantic interests to government impersonations, there is no end to the scams perpetrated on unsuspecting victims.

One way to educate seniors on these scams is to actually discuss them when they are in the news. It is important that they understand people just like them are targeted in new ways all the time. However, it is also important to share these stories in an informative way. You want them to process the idea of protecting themselves from fraud without creating a sense of panic and complete distrust in them. Try to create an open dialogue about how they can learn to recognize fraud and how to respond to suspicious situations with discernment.

Teach Them Computer Safety

Seniors who have had little experience with computers and the internet may need more guidance regarding online safety. Teach them how to protect their system from viruses, how to download safely, and how to recognize suspicious emails and attachments. Also, make sure they know how to safely shop and bank online, and how to protect their financial information. Remind them never to respond to unsolicited requests for personally identifiable information.

Teaching seniors how to safely search the internet is important too. They should understand how to recognize and navigate quickly out of suspicious websites, especially when prompted to input personal information. If nothing else, let them know they can turn off their internet and computer if they cannot get off of a website.

Know Who to Contact

If you believe a senior has been the victim of elder fraud, it is important to know how you can help them through the process. If it is an emergency, or you believe they are in immediate danger, contact the local police department or emergency services. Their safety is, indeed, the first priority.

The FBI recommends that you report elder fraud to your local FBI office and provide as much detail as possible. If their financial or banking information has been targeted, help them contact their financial institutions. They may also need to make stop payments on checks they've issued, place fraud alerts on their accounts, and possibly suspend or cancel debit and credit cards. Depending on the severity, it may require the closing of accounts in order to protect their assets. Contact credit bureaus to protect against the damage of identity theft.

Protecting Seniors From Frauds and Scams

At Senior Helpers, we understand the need to provide consistent senior care, including physical, emotional, and financial health. Our caregivers, indeed, build strong relationships with our clients and work to protect them in every way possible. If you believe your senior would benefit from caregiving services, contact us today for more information.