Many of our parents and grandparents, and those in the older
generation of Alabamians, have worked hard to make good lives, take care
of their families and build our communities. They deserve security and
respect, but unfortunately, they may become targets of fraud,
exploitation or abuse. The best way we can protect them is through
preventive education and vigilance to stop those who would take
advantage of our senior citizens.
The same general advice that
applies to everyone in avoiding scams applies to the elderly, though
they may be subject to particular fraud such as someone pretending to be
a grandchild in trouble and in urgent need of money. Other common
tricks are impersonating law enforcement, court officials or the IRS and
demanding the immediate payment of fines. They use deceptive caller IDs
to look like real officials and employ threatening high-pressure
tactics designed to make the victim panic and act in haste. A common
thread that should send a red warning light is that they ask for the
money to be paid by gift cards or pre-paid money cards.
Lottery
scams are common where a letter tells recipients that they are winners
and victims are directed to wire money to cover the fees. Sometimes
consumers are asked to send financial account numbers under the
deception that the information will be used to deposit winnings into
their accounts.
Other scams targeting seniors use Medicare, trying to bill for
services or devices that were never received. Be wary anytime you or
your loved ones are asked to provide personal information such as bank
or credit card accounts, and Medicare or Social Security numbers.
As
a general rule, never give personal information unless you have
initiated contact with the other person or verified their validity. It
is always best to shred receipts. Closely monitor your accounts for any
unauthorized activity.
Many organizations provide advocacy and
useful information for senior citizens, as well as general consumer
advice. Some organizations that may be helpful include:
l The National Council on Aging and your local councils on aging. The national website is www.ncoa.org. You may find local organizations through telephone directory service or through the Alabama Department of Senior Services.
l Alabama Department of Senior Services. The website is alabamaageline.gov and its toll-free line is 1-800-AGE-LINE, or 1-800-243-5463.
l Alabama Securities Commission. Its website is asc.state.al.us and its toll-free line is 1-800-222-1253.
l Alabama Department of Human Resources. Its main website is dhr.state.al.us.
To reach its Adult Protective Services page, click on Services and then
click on Adult Protective Services. The state office’s phone number is
1-334- 242-1310, and each county has a local Department of Human
Resources office.
l The Alabama Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is
responsible for investigating and prosecuting allegations of abuse,
neglect and the financial exploitation of residents of nursing homes and
assisted living facilities. Those allegations can be submitted via the
Unit’s email address. MFCU@ago.state.al.us. The phone number for the Attorney General’s office is 334-242-7300.
l Federal Trade Commission. Its website is ftc.gov and its phone number is 202-326-2222.
l The FBI has a page on its website about common consumer frauds and how to avoid being victimized. That page is fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/telemarketing-fraud.
l Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Interest Division. The main website is ago.alabama.gov and you may click on one of the tabs across the top marked Consumer. The toll-free consumer line is 1-800-392-5658.
Have
a talk with your senior friends and loved ones about scams and tell
them it’s ok to say no the next time they receive a questionable
solicitation.
Steve Marshall is the Alabama Attorney General.
Full Article & Source:
Steve Marshall: There are ways to help protect elderly from scammers
1 comment:
It the time of year scammers rev up their attacks. Be vigilant with your elderly loved ones.
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