Unfortunately, senior citizens are often the main target of scammers. As some of the more well known scams come to light, new ones are always creeping up. Being aware of what these scams are is the first step in avoiding them and staying safe from these predators.
Seniors often get targeted for scams because scammers see them as easy marks. Many seniors are seen as more trusting, and scammers take advantage of that. Plus, many seniors tend to have some savings stashed away, which makes them a tempting target. And the reality is, seniors tend to be a little behind when it comes to knowing what’s going on with the latest in the tech world. Seniors might not be as savvy with computers and smartphones, which can leave them vulnerable to online scams.
Being polite can sometimes work against them. Seniors sometimes might hesitate to say no or hang up the phone, even if they suspect something fishy. It’s tough, especially if they’re feeling lonely or isolated. When you’re not chatting with others regularly, you might not have someone to bounce ideas off or check if something seems off. Some seniors become victimized by scams simply because they don’t have sufficient social interactions to let them know that something is way off.
This is why it’s important to arm seniors (and those that live or work with them) with knowledge about common scams and how to stay safe. By giving them the basics and some helpful resources, we can help more people stay one step ahead of scammers looking to take advantage of them.
New scams often revolve around technology. Scams that target seniors often revolve around family. For example, a senior might receive a call or a direct message on social media from a fictional “family member.” This person might share false memories from years before and hope to get close enough to the person to get access to their finances or have money sent to them.
Another common scam revolves around romance. A love connection is attempted, again, usually over social media. The end goal isn’t love; it’s money.
Similarly, people posing to be government officials or tech support might have the same goal.
It’s worth noting that seniors with dementia tend to be targeted. This population is already vulnerable, and because of their cognitive issues, they are less likely to know that a scam has occurred.
Being aware and watchful is the best way to help keep your loved ones safe. Helping to educate your loved ones about common scams will help them to stay safer. Hopefully, this blog post can act as a starting point to help further this conversation along.
If you have questions about the best way to keep your older loved ones safe as they age–both from scams and other issues, we’re here to talk more with you. In-home care is geared toward helping seniors live a higher quality of life, right in their own home. Feel free to give us a call and talk more about how in-home care can positively impact the lives of the people that you love.
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