Beware of Elder Fraud



According to the U.S. News & World Report, every year there are 5 million cases of elder fraud in the U.S., resulting in as much as $27.4 billion in losses.  Additionally, these crimes are often hard for law enforcement to prosecute because in many cases victims are too embarrassed to report the crimes.  The FBI says con artists also know that seniors do not make good witnesses even if they do report the crime due to the effects of age on their memory and the length of time it takes to bring a case to justice.   

Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting.  Our elderly population was typically raised to be polite, to believe people are basically good, and have a hard time saying “no.”  These are the traits con artists exploit.  Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger. 

A recent scheme that targeted a large group of seniors was a robocall that informed people they needed to return the call as there was a security issue with their social security number.  When the person called back, they were asked for their full name, address and S.S. number, and told their SS# had been comprised and they would be receiving a new one.   Authorities warn that if criminals obtain someone’s full name and SS#, it allows them to do all kinds of damage to the victim including trying to collect their benefits.  
  
Another scam is romance fraud, which involves a person being approached by the scammer through dating sites or other social media.  A relationship ensues through online contact but never face-to-face.  After a level of trust is established, the person is asked to send small amounts of money for alleged emergencies to test their willingness and gullibility.  Finally as the scam plays out, the person may give the con artist large amounts of money, or even be used to receive money or goods purchased with stolen credit cards or to transport drugs. 
     
The FBI warns that there are many fraudulent schemes to be aware of including telemarketing scams, Medicare scams, tax fraud, etc.  They say, “If you are age 60 or older—and especially if you are an older woman living alone—you may be a special target of people who sell bogus products and services by telephone.”  Remember to never give out personal or financial information over the phone or online and do not send money.    

MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines area offers.

Sources: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/how-to-prevent-senior-fraud

fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/seniors

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Benefits of Assisted Living

Image
Studies show that for many older adults in need of a little daily assistance, life is easier in assisted living.  The reason so many of them say they prefer assisted living to living on their own, is it actuals helps them to feel more – not less – independent.  In fact, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton are designed to provide seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community.   When you live in your own home, you have the constant worry of upkeep and unexpected repairs, or you may be a person who no longer feels comfortable driving and have given it up altogether.  This makes running errands, grocery shopping and getting to doctors’ appointments difficult. Moving into assisted living means you no longer have to spend time worrying about maintaining a home, and communities such as MorningStar offer scheduled transportation.  Meal prep is another thing that is often difficult for the elderly, and as a result, many older ...
Read more

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Reflections Neighborhood

Image
  Along with the finest assisted living Des Moines –West Des Moines has to offer; MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure suites devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to allow our most tender residents the freedom to explore their surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible. We accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care. As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. We are honored to offer care and support as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this u...
Read more

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Assisted Living Meets All of Your Needs

Image
If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer.   Our community has 56 private assisted living suites , and another 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases.  If you are wondering how costs are determined, we can provide you with a general guideline.  Assisted living offers seniors 62 years and older compassionate assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a residential setting and each resident’s care is personalized to address their needs.  Even before you move in, MorningStar’s Wellness Director will sit down with you and your family and do a thorough assessment in order to create an individualized care plan.  Once you have moved in, your trained Care Managers will see to it your needs are met, and as we do routine Care Plan reviews, any changes to your health will be addressed.  You monthly fee is based on ...
Read more