Individuals and entities that are sending what appear to be messages from banks, pay pal, mortgage companies, lottery offices or even state licensing agencies are nothng more than a nuisance for most of us, however many seniors are not so lucky and fall prey and are being victimized by these scams at an alarming rate.
Our nation's senior population is being targeted more frequently by these scammers who far too often succeed in defrauding and scamming millions of our nation's seniors every year. Incidents that have been reported to Survivors In Action by seniors from across the country reveal that this is a growing problem that needs as much awareness as possible to help ensure no victim is left behind.
Promoting awareness and urging your elderly loved ones and friends to take pause before responding to telephone or postal mail requests for information is one way to help combat these crimes being perpetrated upon our nation's senior population.
One example that was shared within a list serve that I belong to is a must read for those of you who work in public safety or may have relatives and friends susceptible.
An elderly woman in a small town in Illinois received a series of calls from someone trying to convince her to "Pay our deliveryman $250 and receive your package containing $1.5 million." The calls kept coming and, in an effort to stem them, another party told the caller that the calls were causing the neighbor undue stress. At that point the caller threatened to kill the second party and the neighbor.
Last summer, a similar caller said he was with the FBI and if the neighbor didn't show up at the courthouse at 10 a.m. he'd haul her out of her house, take her stuff, and padlock the house.
The incident above is real and for those of you who have parents or loved one's in their golden years, it is critical that you stay in close contact with your loved ones and urge them to be aware and alert of callers and letters that arrive in the mail requesting their private information or threatening to foreclose on their property.
Many of the scammers are more sophisticated than ever before because of the use of technology including caller-id spoof and the use of on-line datafurnishing agencies that provide consumer private records including birth records, banking records, social security numbers and other private data that makes an unsuspecting senior very vulnerable to attack.
Please help encourage those who care for the elderly to be alert as well. The scammers are becoming more brave and will even appear at the seniors doorstep with the hoax of being a representative from the court or a bank.
It is always better to error on the side of safety and caution first. If it is really a legitimate businessman or woman they will be more than willing to go through the necessary steps and take the time to verify who they are without question.
If you believe you may have been a victim of one of these scams don't be ashamed reach out for help! If you are a care giver or want to learn more how you can protect vulnerable seniors in your community visit Survivors In Action web site for more information.
Survivors In Action
"No Victim Left Behind"
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