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LEARN HOW TO MAKE OUR TYPE LARGER

Fraud against seniors
Published September/October 2001
By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seniors are targeted at a higher rate than any other age group when it comes to fraudulent schemes. The criminals and con-artists that take advantage of older adults are often experts in human behavior and know how to exploit their victim's vulnerabilities. This type of crime often results in the senior's fear and embarrassment over what has happened. Because of this, many of these schemes go unreported.

There have been numerous fraudulent scams sweeping the country over the years and many re-surface from time to time. Here are some of the more popular ones that have been targeted towards older people:

Home Improvement Scams -
Elderly homeowners often live in older houses that may need some basic repairs. Con-artists know this and will purposely seek out these older homes for their scam. Many aged residents are unable to do the repairs themselves and must rely on contractors for help. Specific problems have been cited involving spraying or repairing roofs, re-paving blacktop driveways, lawn fertilizing and repairing windows and screens. Air conditioning and television repairmen are also known to prey on seniors. Be leery of door-to-door solicitors and businesses that contact you out of the blue informing you of a problem with your home. It is better if you initiate finding a company yourself or ask someone you know for a referral.

Mail Fraud -
For some older adults, the mail may be the avenue of choice criminals use to victimize them. Illegitimate sweepstakes are a common tool used against seniors. It is illegal for any prize offer to require payment. Legitimate companies also don't pressure consumers in taking an offer "immediately" without allowing time for them to check it out. Legitimate companies will gladly send information out about their company and products without requiring any type of formal commitment. Its called advertising.

Another mail fraud technique is the chain letter. Yes, they are still around. With technology, they are showing up on people's e-mail as well. The trick here is to get you to send some cash to a few of your friends and in return, you are supposed to get lots more cash back. The operative phrase here is "supposed to." It never works. Don't be fooled into thinking that bad things will happen to you and your loved ones if you break the "chain." It is a hoax.

Other big mail fraud schemes are phony work-at-home scams. You are promised to make thousands in the comfort of your own home addressing envelopes, doing craft-work, etc. All you have to do is send in a small registration fee along with a sample of your work to be accepted. You've guessed it. You never hear from them again. Report any suspected mail fraud to law enforcement agencies and postal authorities.

International Lottery Scams -
The fraud here involves getting U.S. customers to buy into high paying foreign lottery programs. Some of these lotteries are as far away as Europe and Australia! Tickets are sold via direct mail or the telephone. This is a violation of U.S. law prohibiting cross-border lottery ticket sales. Most of these foreign lottery sales are fake. Operators either never purchase the tickets, or when they do buy them, keep any winnings for themselves. These international criminals may also steal bank account and credit card numbers from their victims. Call law enforcement and postal authorities here as well.

Travel Deals -
Free trips and travel package deals are another scam in full force around town. While some travel opportunities are legitimate, many are not. The way this works is that a salesperson will ask for a credit card number to bill you for your "travel package." To receive the details of your package you must pay this fee up front. Then after you receive this, you will need to pay another fee to make your reservation request (and so on and so on). Fees keep popping up all over. Also, look out for more hidden charges such as port charges, hotel taxes and service fees. Suddenly your winning trip doesn't look like a winner at all!

Medical Fraud -
The elderly are especially vulnerable in this category. Miracle cures and treatments are offered for money. There are no cures or treatments and your health may in fact worsen waiting for nothing. Many stop conventional treatment methods hoping for quick answers to their health problems. Be leery of phony laboratory tests and hearing aid solicitors as well.

Fraud pic

Insurance Fraud -
One type of insurance scam can show up in regards to your medical insurance. Practitioners and providers may bill for procedures and equipment never rendered. Lots of times the patient is unaware. The coding on medical bills nowadays is confusing to most and if it doesn't come out of your pocket, you may never notice fraudulent practices.

Also beware of phony property appraisers who may ask to come out and check your home. Some criminals will pretend to be insurance underwriters informing you that there has been a rate increase due to inflation and that they will need to come out and check your assets. Jewelry is commonly what they are after here. Because of this "inflation," they take your jewelry and give you a receipt for your valuables. You never see the so-called underwriter again or your jewelry may be replace with fake copies. Know the companies you have insurance with and read over all policies. Real companies will provide credentials and identification when asked.

The Fender Bender Scam -
A con-artist will cause a small fender bender automobile accident with an elderly driver, usually in a parking lot. The criminal will act angry blaming the senior for causing the accident. He pressures the victim to settle the matter immediately between the two of them. The older person will then pay out of fear.

The Bank Examiner Scam -
This scam may have been around for awhile but bears repeating. A so-called bank examiner calls an unsuspecting victim on the telephone and tells him that he/she needs to "test" a dishonest bank employee. The victim is asked to withdraw a specific amount of cash from their account and that a bank representative will be sent to their home to pick up the money. This representative will then redeposit the cash back at the bank to "test" the employee. The victim never sees the money again.

This practice is NEVER done to test employees. If someone approaches you with a scam similar to this call your bank and law enforcement immediately.

The Found Money Scam -
A con-artist pretends to have found a lot of money and offers to split it with you if you will withdraw money from your bank account to prove "good faith." This is suppose to show that you have enough money to replace the found money in case the true owner comes forward. Sometimes a third bystander is in on it to make it look even more believable. The crook takes your money and gives a phony address for you to go and pick up your money as well as the found money. It never happens. You are swindled! Never withdraw cash and give it to a stranger. It is always a scam. Call your bank and law enforcement in this situation too

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