Protecting seniors against fraud
According to a study conducted by AARP, many people over 50 years old are victims to some kind of a fraud. “Con criminals” are people who target older people and their savings accounts. They reach people through the telephone, mail, and over the Internet.
If you have any loved ones that may fall into this category, you owe it to them to educate yourself with common frauds that are out there. One of the most common is a charity fraud. Most seniors want to help others who are in need and “con criminals” will use this to their advantage. They will make the senior believe they are contributing to a worthy cause but the cause is not a valid one.
The “con criminal” will usually take advantage of a current news event – for example, the earthquake in Haiti. They might say the money will go to feeding orphans, aiding animals, or disabled veterans. The presentation is well rehearsed and believable. You will never know if your money actually went to an established charity. If you want to find out whether this is really a charity, contact the Secretary of State’s office and ask for the registration number and financial reports of the charity in question.
Do not allow a “con criminal” to take your money or the money of a loved one.
