Fraud / Crime Prevention
Crime Prevention
There are many fairly simple ways to help prevent crime towards older adults. Older adults are likely more easily targeted so more precaution is warranted. However, in developing precautions it is important not to develop fear. Some precautions follow:
- Install a peep hole.
- Install a security system.
- Install motion activated outside lights both front and back.
- Carry some cash, $25-$50, that you are willing to part with.
- Leave expensive jewlry at home when traveling alone or in unsafe areas.
- Join community watch programs.
- Make sure locks are easy to use and are used.
- Let family members know of plans and when to expect a check-in call.
Fraud Prevention
According to the National Consumers League's national Fraud Information Center, nearly a third of all telemarketing fraud victims are age 60 or older. Studies by AARP show that most older telemarketer fraud victims have a hard time realizing that the person on the phone is someone trying to steal their money.
Steps to Fraud Protection
Try to make seniors aware that illegal telemarketing is a serious crime that is punishable by heavy fines and long prison sentences. Once they realize the seriousness of the crime they may be more likely to hang up and report he fraud to law enforcement authorities.
Explain to seniors why they may be particularly vulnerable. Fraudulent telemarketers have been know to take advantage of the fact that:
- It's difficult to tell whether someone is legitimate.
- Seniors tend to be trusting.
- We are all lured by the possibility of winning a valuable prize, strinking it rich, or taking an amazing vacation. People tend to believe that it is their lucky day before questioning potential fraud.
- It is hard to hang up. Many seniors feel as though it is rude to hang up the phone on someone. In addition, fraudulent telemarketers are trained in sales techniques that allow them to take control of the conversation.
Help Seniors recognize the red flags of fraud. These include but are not limited to:
- A promise that you can win, make, or earn money easily.
- A demand that you act immediately or loose out on this "once in a lifetime" opportunity.
- A refusal to send you written information on the offer before you agree to buy or donate.
- An attempt to scare you into buying or doing something.
- An insistance that you wire money.
- A refusal to stop calling when you have asked them to not call you again.
It is important to be aware of when someone you love may be in trouble or a potential target of fraud. Seniors may be in trouble if they:
- Receive inordinate amounts of mail advertising sweepstakes, prizes, free trips, potential money making opportunities
- Recieve frequent calls from telemarketers or other sales people offering great deals or asking for charitable donations
- Make repeated and/or large payments to companies in other states or countries
- Have difficuly with balancing their own checkbooks, paying utilities and other bills on time
- Subscribe to an inordinate amount of magazines
- Recieve free gifts from companies in exchange for something they bought or recveived as prizes
If you suspect fraud it can be reported to the National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060, M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at www.fraud.org. The information you report to them will be transferred to law enforcement authorities.
If you have reason to believe that fraudulent callers are repeatedly calling, it may also be necassary to change his or her phone number.
If your loved one has fallen victim to fraudulent telemarketers and they have stolen money it is advised that the persons bank account and credit card numbers be changed.
Do-Not-Call Registry
It is important to know your "Do-Not-Call" rights. Under federal law, you can tell a telemarketer not to cal you again. Registering with the "Do-Not-Call" registry is free. Call 888-382-1222, TTY 866-290-4326 from the phone number you want to register. In addition, you can also register online at www.donotcall.gov.