Senior citizens and the aging population are attractive targets for fraud and scams. Not only are they typically not as tech-savvy as others, but they are also far less likely to report being scammed – whether from embarrassment or fear. One recent study from New York estimates that for every 44 cases of senior fraud, only one is reported. Experts put the cost of fraud against seniors annually to be $36 billion per year, largely unreported. Not only that, but the criminals are becoming more and more sophisticated in their methods. But with some basic information, seniors can avoid becoming fraud victims.

Avoid Door-to-Door Scams

Door-to-door scams can take many forms and can be as simple as a solicitation for a fake charity. This typically happens after a natural disaster or another newsworthy event, one in which good-hearted people are likely to have sympathy for the victims. Another common scam also happens after a localized disaster such as a hurricane or tropical storm. Scammers go door to door offering to perform home repairs. They may be individuals who are not skilled and will do poor quality work, or they may ask for upfront payments and never do the work at all.

One of the more deceptive ways that seniors can become door-to-door fraud victims typically affects those who live alone. One scammer engages the senior in a long conversation at the front door, while a second scammer attempts to break in through the back door to steal any valuables while the senior is distracted.

Seniors should be very wary of anyone who comes knocking on their front door. Although by nature seniors are more trusting of people in general, they need to understand that no one that comes to their door is selling anything that must be purchased or addressed at the moment. The longer these professional criminals can keep you talking, the more likely they can persuade you to do something you shouldn’t.

To avoid becoming fraud victims, seniors may wish to only open their doors to known visitors.

How Fraud Victims Get Caught in Phone Scams

Phone scammers are not very creative, and they also follow similar scripts for all types of scams. They will present themselves as being from a well-known company or a government agency, and typically have a believable reason for calling. As the conversation progresses, they will attempt to get you to disclose personal or financial information. Here is the main thing to remember – no reputable company or organization calls to solicit personal data.

Seniors can protect themselves from phone scammers in several ways.

Add your landline to the National Do Not Call Registry
Install call blocking software on your smartphone to block known scammers and unknown numbers. Ask a family member for help if you do not know how to do this.
Do not engage with callers who call you unexpectedly. If you are concerned they may be calling from a legitimate source for a valid reason, simply hang up and call the organization back to inquire if the call was above board.
Do not add your phone number on websites.
Never share personal information on unknown websites or unsolicited emails.

Email Fraud Victims Increasingly More Common

When email and the internet first became mainstream, many seniors did not participate. However, several decades later, many senior citizens have been using these platforms for years. What they may not expect is the sophistication of email scammers. Most email scams look very official, with branding from a trusted company giving a false sense of security. These emails often include attachments or links that will install tracking bugs or malicious software if clicked. Links may appear to be to your own account but will take you to a fake site that will collect your sign-in information.

To avoid falling victim to email scams, try these tips.

Use an email service with a good spam filter.
Disable images in your emails. Images are where ‘tracking bugs’ are embedded.
Do not open any attachment unless you asked someone to send it to you.
If an entity emails you saying you owe money, call them on an official phone number to verify the situation.
Never click links in emails you did not solicit.
Never click a link to your bank, stock, or utility account in an email. If they are claiming you owe money, log into your account in a different browser to assess the situation.

Use Caution at All Times

Scammers don’t appear evil. They are typically persuasive, charming, and clever. They are also good at spotting vulnerable targets. The best way to avoid scams is to practice saying “No”, without fear of hurting people’s feelings. If people are genuine, they will understand. Seniors should grow comfortable with standing up for themselves, closing the door or hanging up the phone in order to protect themselves.

A Banyan Residence is an assisted living and memory care center located in The Villages.