Elder Law Attorney | How to Detect a Senior Citizen Scams
As technology gets more sophisticated, crooks and scammers are finding new ways to target senior citizens. An elder law attorney will tell you that scamming is often the biggest form of elder abuse, and can happen to even the most prepared citizen. There are a few things you can do to stay protected and ensure your financials are kept safe from thieves.
The U.S. Justice Department estimates that dishonest telemarketers take $40 billion each year from one in six Americans. Of those, 80 percent are 50-year-olds and up. Scammers often use the telephone to conduct financial fraud like credit card fraud, lottery scams and identity theft. They can also use the phone to sell senior citizens things that are not real products or will never come.
There are also, less obvious ways that scammers operate. Some of these ways include threatening senior citizens with fake legal documents, pretending to be law enforcement or by offering elaborate fake prizes or money. There have also been reports of unsolicited housework that then requires them to enter the home. A good rule of thumb is if something seems suspicious, it probably is. You should always contact an elder law attorney or the police to determine if a threat is legitimate.
If you suspect you or a loved one was the victim of identity fraud, there are a few steps to immediately take. First, you should contact your bank personnel. Some banks that are used to handling elderly bank accounts can be on the lookout and flag potentially suspicious materials. Additionally, an elder law attorney can help you investigate and determine if charges need to be filed or if authorities should be notified.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of a financial scam targeted towards senior citizens, learn more from the National Council on Aging or contact the attorneys at The Law Office of Michelangelo Mortellaro. Contact us today for a free consultation!
