Senior Scams

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As sad as it is, there are scam artists out there looking to take advantage of people, and seniors are frequently their targets. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect your loved ones from senior scams.

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Scam Targets Seniors’ Love of Their Grandchildren

Older adults seem particularly vulnerable to the efforts of scammers. That’s why seniors and their family caregivers need to be diligent to ward off the schemes of those who would do harm to a parent or grandparent. A trusted second set of eyes and ears in an older adult's home can help.

What Can You Do to Protect Seniors

These are ways family members and home care agency caregivers can help protect their senior loved ones from the threat of scams, from the National Association of Triads, Inc. and Home Instead Senior Care.

Top Five Senior Scams

The top five senior scams and how they work, according to The National Association of Triads, Inc. and Home Instead Senior Care.

Senior Con Games

Stakes are high when criminals target older adults.

Scams Often Target Older Adults

Scams often are geared to older adults with the intent to defraud them of money and even property. However, these scam artists often will stay away from older adults who have a support network. Make your presence visible in your senior loved one's life. If you can't be there, consider recommending to your older adults hiring a second set of eyes and ears such as a professional caregiving service.

"Fraud": Another Word For Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is among the most reprehensible of crimes against seniors. Regrettably, a study by the National Research Council estimated that there are between one and two million cases of elder abuse in the U.S. and the Senate Special Committee on Aging has speculated that four times as many cases of abuse against older adults go unreported.

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed

There are a variety of senior scams, from sweepstakes and phishing schemes to home improvement and Internet fraud to identity theft. If you or a senior loved one has been the victim of a scam, law enforcement officials recommend quick action.

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