Scams Target Seniors: How to Protect Yourself

Recently, the Omaha World Herald wrote an article on phone call scams occurring in Nebraska. The scheme is that the caller will say they are the grandchild of the senior then ask for immediate money to be wired or sent due to legal or medical trouble. In the past, scammers usually were unable to identify the name of the grandchild they were posing as. However, scammers now find the names of grandchildren through online research and social media outlets.

Seniors are targets of many other forms of scams as well as the grandchild trick. The FBI provides a comprehensive list of types of fraud and how to protect against them. Here is a short list of ways to protect against scams:

•  Always check out unfamiliar companies with the Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline at 877-637-3334
• Verify the persons identity, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number before transacting business.
• Before giving money to a charity or make an investment, find out what percentage is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity or investment.
• Don't pay for a "Free Prize". If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes, he or she is violating federal law. 
•  Consult your pharmacist or physician if your prescription drug looks suspicious. Closely examine the packaging and lot numbers of prescription drugs.
• Alert your pharmacist and physician immediately if your medication causes adverse side effects or if your condition does not improve.
• Only give your insurance/Medicare identification to those who have provided you with legitimate medical services.
• Find more information at http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors