Scams
It's no secret that the elderly are victims of scam artists more than most. They come from a generation where a handshake meant something, and honesty was a quality you could assume. Somehow, things were simpler then.
Aging Solutions has lots of experience with fast-buck artists who prey on those who have been called The Greatest Generation. Here are some of the most common schemes and a few simple solutions.
Scam artists want desperately to work their cons by getting the elderly alone. Frustrate them by making sure an adult
child or trusted friend is in the room.
Always avoid conducting business with those who approach you first, by telephone or at the front door. If you need professional services, seek them out in the phone book or by referral from someone you trust.
Telemarketing
The Scam:
You've won something. Maybe money. Or they've got a terrific deal for you. All you have to do to get it is send some of your own money. And quickly. They may ask you to read your credit card number over the phone.
The Reality:
There's no prize or deal. They want you to send money so they can keep it.
The Solution:
- HANG UP
- Tell them you will first have to discuss it with your son who works for the FBI.
Home Repair
The Scam:
They just happened to be in the neighborhood. They happen to have a special deal going just for the elderly. Or maybe they're offering free inspections. At some point, they will tell you that something is seriously wrong with something in your house. So serious that it's an emergency. So serious that they need you to give them a check or a credit card right away to fix it.
The Reality:
They're just trying to frighten you into taking action -- giving them money -- without your having time to think about it. There's nothing wrong with your house. There's no emergency.
The Solution:
- TAKE YOUR TIME
- If you really think there's something wrong, get at least three other bids on the work.
- If you live in California, go to the Links page on this website to connect to the State Contractor's License Board to check the license number of any contractor. If they don't have a license number, don't work with them.
Living Trusts
The Scam:
A telephone call from out of the blue invites you to a seminar to get help to arrange your financial affairs or your estate. The seminar organizers also have a few good investments for you. You might even win a prize or a trip.
The Reality:
They're not interested in helping with your estate. They want you to tell them all about your confidential financial affairs so they can steal your money, or make huge commissions on bad investments.
The Solution:
- DON'T ATTEND THESE SEMINARS
- In California, check to see if lawyers have been disbarred on our Links page.