Top Scams Targeting Seniors

Seniors are often a major target for financial abuse. The elderly generation is more trusting, and generally, seniors have built a nice nest egg of savings. Don’t be a victim. In these next few blogs, MediNurse will present the most popular scams targeting seniors, offer tips on how to avoid scam artists and offer advice should you fall prey to financial fraud.

Top Scams Seniors Should Watch for:

• Home Improvement Fraud

• Watch out for contractors who solicit door-to-door, only accept cash payment, require all money up front, promise exceptionally long guarantees, and fail to provide a written contract.

• Debt Relief Fraud

• While credit counseling services are not necessarily bad, they can be abused. Be on the lookout for companies that lie about their nonprofit status, don't provide credit education and counseling, and encourage seniors to pay debt through a debt management plan (DMP). Seniors should thoroughly research DMP’s to make sure nobody is taking advantage of them.

• Funeral Fraud

• Of course, people always want the best for their loved ones, but that’s no reason to be a victim of fraud. The FTC created the “Funeral Rule” stating that people have the right to choose the funeral goods and services they want. The funeral home should always provide a price list so there are no surprises in the end.

• Telemarketing Fraud

• The best thing to do is avoid telemarketers all together. MediNurse recommends placing yourself on the “Do Not Call” registry. If you haven’t done this yet, beware of calls-to-action such as, act now, free, and no risk. Some scam artists may also call noting that something is wrong with a credit card account and will ask you to verify the card number and personal information. Don’t do this. Hang up and call the bank directly.

• Grandparent Scam

• This scam is new and rising in popularity. Scam artists will contact unsuspecting grandparents posing as law enforcement, medical personnel, or the grandchild. The scammer will tell a story about an arrest, injury or emergency situation and the grandparents want to help however they can. Scam artists then eagerly take the grandparent’s money.

To avoid this scam, seniors should contact the family member directly to confirm the story. Of course, seniors should always be wary when asked to wire money immediately.

In this technology era, it is easier for scam artists to prey on vulnerable, unsuspecting victims. Talk to a trusted family member or your MediNurse caregiver if you suspect suspicious behavior. MediNurse is considered the most selective agency in this area. Our staff must undergo a stringent screening process both prior to being employed and annually for the duration of their employment.

For more information, contact us at 314.781.2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.