C.A.
Answer:
Although anyone can be the target of a scam, older adults 50+ are more
likely to be the victims of fraud or identity theft.
The
reasons for this could be numerous. Many of today’s elderly were
brought up to be more positive and trusting of one another, which may
make them an easier target. Often, an elder who doesn’t want to be
viewed as helpless by their family or caretakers will keep quiet about
things that trouble them. These things and other circumstances put older
adults in our community at risk, and while the government can do some
things to enforce laws against scammers, protecting our personal
information often comes down to our own vigilance. Here are some general
tips to protect you or an elderly loved one:
1. Be informed about common scams, like landline phone scams. One great resource is StopFraud.gov, a website operated by the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force with tips and information for elders and their caregivers.
2.
Keep an eye on financial activity. If you or your loved one are online,
many email scams involve sending money or providing credit card
information, so keeping tabs on your relative’s financials can help you
spot any potential fraud as it happens. Operate by the rule, “If it
seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
3.
Sign up for identity fraud theft protection, which provides real-time
monitoring of financials and makes restoration after a theft attempt
much less of a panic.
4. Make
sure caregivers are trustworthy. Unfortunately, identity theft is not
always committed by strangers. If you are the adult child of a senior
who needs care, be on the lookout for suspicious behavior and make sure
documents and other items containing personal and financial information
are locked away where they cannot be easily accessed.
One
way to protect yourself or a loved one from predators is to learn the
latest tricks that are being used to steal your money. Fraud and
Identity Theft: Protecting Yourself from Con Artists is a free seminar
being hosted by the public library in Clemmons. The class will be taught
by Glenn Kirk of Summit Credit Union. He is a frequent presenter of
seminars for businesses and associations all across North Carolina. He
has also appeared on WFMY TV as a resource for banking and financial
items of interest.
In this
class, you will learn how to protect your Social Security card and your
identity from being stolen. Other topics covered include email fraud and
phone scams, recovering from ID theft, and what to do when your bank or
the IRS calls. The class will be held in the Clemmons library
auditorium on April 23 at 3:30 p.m., and is part of Money Smart Week at
the library. The same class is being held at the Kernersville Branch
Library on April 24 at 2 p.m.
Q: How much should I really be preparing for end-of-life expenses?
B.T.
B.T.
Answer: We plan for so many things in
our life, from college to having kids. Something we don’t plan for, or
just don’t want to think about, is the care that we may need later in
life.
Every adult is at risk of
being unable to make health care decisions. Meaningful conversations
with your loved ones about what you value in your personal health care
will lead to higher quality care and much less stress for your family
when a health care crisis arises.
April
16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). Each year, this day
focuses on the education and awareness of health care decision planning.
NHDD is a great time to think about creating your own advance health
care plan. An advance health care directive is the document that helps
an adult name someone to make health care decisions when the person
cannot do so. In addition to creating planning documents, this is a good
time to think and talk about the different kinds of health care and
treatment one wants and does not want.
The
Hospice Care Center provides Advance Care Planning Workshops every
Tuesday at different locations that serve 13 counties, providing the
opportunity to learn about the living will and health care power of
attorney. In Winston-Salem, that workshop takes place on the first
Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Hospice & Palliative Care
Center. You can also schedule a walk-in consultation or get your
questions answered by calling 336-768-6157, ext. 1622 or 704-637-7645.
While donations are welcome, these services are provided at no cost to
you.
The National Center on Law
and Elder Rights (NCLER) provides free case consultation assistance for
attorneys and professionals seeking more information to help older
adults. Topics include: Advance Planning, Elder Abuse, Guardianship,
Health/LTSS, Economic Security, Supported Decision-Making, Consumer
Protection, and Housing. Please contact ConsultNCLER@acl.hhs.gov for assistance.
Full Article & Source:
Agewise: Knowing who to trust
1 comment:
The short answer is not to trust anyone 100%. Keep your radar on and be wary.
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