Scams and the elderly

Scam artists love the elderly. Why are seniors targeted so much? There are several reasons that the elderly are at risk for scams. Many elders are lonely and when their phone rings, they usually answer it. Scam artists know how to sweet talk to gain their trust. Many scam artists sound official or authoritative when trying to get elders to give them financial or insurance information. They tell them that their Social Security deposit has been held up due to a banking error or that their Medicare information is needed to process a claim. Another reason they are targeted is because they are not likely to tell anyone if they get scammed because they do not want to appear helpless. Elders were taught it is rude to hang up on someone. So how do you help your elderly relatives? Tell them that unless they called the person, don’t give them any information. Social Security will not call to verify banking information. The IRS does not call anyone–they only communicate by mail. And finally, tell them it is perfectly acceptable to hang up on a scammer.