No one likes to believe that, in our society, there are predators who take advantage of individuals who are the least able to defend themselves. However, the sad truth is that across America every year, millions of seniors are hoodwinked by fraud, scams, and swindlers. These common scams can happen at home, at the mall, in person, by mail, on the phone, or over the Internet.
In reviewing telemarketing fraud, the United States Congress has stated that telemarketing schemes have become a large annual industry. There are many telemarketing firms in the U.S., and Congress has estimated that a significant portion of these may be fraudulent. Many fraudulent telemarketers prey on older Americans.
The American Prosecutors Research Institute notes several reasons seniors are more susceptible to telephone fraud: they hold a large share of financial assets, their assets can often be converted into cash, they are more likely to be at home to receive calls, and many are too polite to hang up. In some cases, senior citizens fall victim simply because they are trusting and courteous.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself online, at home, and on the phone. On the Internet, be cautious of any “free” service or product and do not give out personal information unless you absolutely know and trust the provider. Don’t assume a site is safe just because a friend knows it, and avoid using your credit card on unfamiliar sites; no site is completely risk-free.
At home, control access and never let anyone inside whom you don’t know. If you decide to purchase from a door-to-door salesperson—something not generally recommended—pay by post-dated check or ask to pay upon delivery; never pay cash. Do not give your credit card number to a salesperson, and consider asking the salesperson to come back the next day so you have time to think and verify their credentials. For related insurance information, see Old Home — 15 Years and Older.
On the phone, use an answering machine or caller ID to screen calls and only pick up if you recognize the caller. If a salesperson gets through, be skeptical of “free” offers like sweepstakes prizes, cruises, or guaranteed high-yield investments—if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number to anyone over the phone; in many places it is illegal for telemarketers to request such information to verify a prize.
If you are suspicious of any person or company, trust your instincts: hang up, close the door, or turn off your computer. Report questionable activity to local law enforcement or the Better Business Bureau, and consider contacting consumer protection organizations such as the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center. With vigilance and common sense, you can help protect yourself and others from these crimes.
When in doubt, seek professional guidance or review your options with a trusted representative—if you want assistance, Old Home — 15 Years and Older may be a useful resource, or you can talk to your agent about specific concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a call or offer is a scam?
Common signs include pressure to act immediately, requests for payment by wire or gift cards, and demands for personal financial information.
What should I do if I suspect I’m being targeted?
Hang up or close the door, avoid sharing information, and report the incident to local authorities or a consumer protection agency.
Can I verify a prize or sweepstakes offer?
Legitimate sweepstakes won’t ask you to pay fees or provide sensitive account numbers to claim a prize; verify independently before responding.
How can I protect my personal information online?
Use strong, unique passwords, avoid sharing sensitive details on unfamiliar sites, and limit use of credit cards on untrusted websites.