6 ways to avoid scams that target seniors
Scams strike when you least expect and, if you’re not prepared, can have a devastating effect. Here are six ways to avoid those that targeting seniors.
1. Don’t let the pressure get to you
Scams often work by exploiting fear that has been created through a false sense of urgency. This could be a phony deadline, false emergency or even a hollow threat of legal action. Keeping a cool head and examining all the details when a scam artist gets into contact can be a good way to identify and ultimately avoid a scam before it’s too late.
2. Treat any request for money with suspicion
Even if it looks and sounds perfectly legitimate, any request for money should be scrutinised very closely. If these requests are upfront or especially forward, that’s generally a sign that you’re dealing with scam artist.
3. Verify the identity of the contact you’re talking to
You don’t have to go 100 per cent Sherlock Holmes, but making the effort to verify the identity of the contact you’re talking to (even with something as simple as a quick Google search) can be a good way to determine whether they’re on the level or not.
4. Just don’t respond
Phone call or emails offering financial advice or opportunities that seem far too good to be true often are. Sometimes it’s best to just hang up the phone or delete the email.
5. Be wary of people on social media and dating sites
Even if they’ve got a profile picture and a backstory, you still never really know who the person you’ve been talking to online is. Make sure you deal with any requests from these people cautiously (particularly if it’s a request for money).
6. Treat claims emails and letters with suspicion
If you’ve received correspondence saying you’ve won a competition you didn’t realise you’d entered, or claim an inheritance you didn’t know about, it pays to treat this with suspicion, as this is often the hallmark of a scam artist at play.
Do you have any tips to help people deal with the common scams that target seniors? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
Related links:
5 ways to deal with spam emails
5 ways to protect yourself from ATM fraud
Who to contact if you have been scammed