What to do if an elderly person is scammed?

There is no reason to be embarrassed. You can report senior citizen scams to Adult Protective Services as well as your local police. Should you receive a call from someone posing as an IRS agent, or agent from another government agency, report it to that agency as well.

How can senior citizens avoid being scammed online?

They are several ways senior citizens can avoid being scammed. Online scams are getting complicated by day. The con artists are becoming smarter and using sophisticated methods. Firstly, before making any purchases online consult a caregiver or trusted family members. They will know if the product is genuine or if it is just a scam.

Why are senior citizens the targets of fraud?

Suggested items may not always be in-stock. There are many bad people out there who make a living by defrauding others. Unfortunately, senior citizens are prime targets of frauds and scams. Senior citizens of today were raised in a more trusting environment. Naturally they are more polite and more trusting.

How does the FBI deal with elder fraud?

The FBI works throughout the year to educate seniors and their loved ones on elder fraud scams and prevention. Each year, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme, including romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams, to name a few.

Are there any faceless pharmacies for senior citizens?

These are referred to by Bonnie Russell, founder of the Stop Elder Financial Abuse website, as faceless online pharmacies. This scam is growing in popularity. Since 2000, the Food and Drug Administration has investigated an average of 20 such cases per year, up from 5 per year in the 1990s, according to the National Council on Aging.

Why are seniors more likely to be scammed?

Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers. Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed at having been scammed.

Can a family member commit fraud against a senior citizen?

It is heartbreaking, however, many times fraud against a senior citizen is perpetrated by a family member or someone close to that person. Theft – while this isn’t fraud, it’s actually the most common. Whether money or valuables, older adults are often vulnerable to theft.

How are elderly people targeted for financial fraud?

Each year, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme, including romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams, to name a few. Criminals will gain their targets’ trust and may communicate with them directly via computer, phone, and the mail; or indirectly through the TV and radio.

The FBI works throughout the year to educate seniors and their loved ones on elder fraud scams and prevention. Each year, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme, including romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams, to name a few.