Scammers are indistinct nowadays and nobody knows who their next target is and what tactics they are planning to outwit anyone. These concealed law-offenders are vicious enough in nailing the best of their targets and even senior people count in their list nowadays. Sadly, most of the elderly don't have the capacity to defend themselves, USA Today shared three fraud types that elderly people are most targeted for and how they can avoid being tricked by scammers.
1. Health care fraud
This type of fraud is prevalent especially for people turning in to old age. Primarily, these are the type of "healthcare" services offered to them in many ways that are not really necessary. The only thing that senior people may do to secure themselves of these tactics is by not entertaining these offered services or hence checking up on their physician for clarification.
"This type of fraud can be combated by avoiding door-to-door or telephone sales people promising prices that don't ring true," as advised in the article. "Contacting your primary care doctor to confirm offered items are medically necessary for your care and reaching out to your insurer beforehand to confirm that they'll pay the bill can also keep you from falling victim."
2. Funeral and cemetery fraud
The fate of a dead person is no joking matter and this entails a serious ordeal for many but scammers are in no regards to take this out of their scope. Some would even fake knowing the dead person and claim that the departed one even owes them a sum of money. In any way, people must not be tricked by this scam and the outlet details how scammers make use of this event to their advantage.
According to USA Today, "Scammers may also scour the obituary section of the newspaper for details on a recently deceased person and then show up at the funeral claiming that the individual owes them a debt. For this reason, always verify debts are real before handing over any money."
3. Telemarketing fraud
Retirement for most elderly is the time to enjoy vacation. Most of these great deals are held through the phone and although there are legit telemarketers who are just helping vacation seekers get the best deals, there are some who just intend to trick them out to get their money.
"Often, these claims are a ruse to get a retiree to turn over credit card or other personal information that a scammer can use or sell to others," based on the publication. "In these cases, "free" offers are accompanied by a request for a credit card payment to cover shipping and handling charges or taxes. Scammers may even offer to have a courier pick up a check or cash payment for these small fees; however, those couriers can be accomplices eager to separate you from your money."