ScamsSecurity

5 Ways to Protect Seniors from Scammers

- A guest post by HomeInstead.ieThere seems to be no end to the various ways people can be defrauded ...
– A guest post by HomeInstead.ie
There seems to be no end to the various ways people can be defrauded and it seems the stereotypical ‘con artist’ has become even more sophisticated.
It has been well documented that scams targeting older people across Ireland have become so common place that they are now considered “the crime of the 21st century.”
Home Instead Senior Care offer the following tips for scam proofing a senior. Help protect your loved ones by sharing these tips:
  1. Shred documents that could be useful to criminals, including bank statements, credit card statements and offers, and other financial information.
  2. Instruct them to hang up their phone, or do not open or close the door, if they get urgent, demanding, unsolicited callers
  3. Insist that a senior never give out personal information and don’t agree to give money over the phone, rather ask for written information to be sent through the mail. The best rule of thumb is to “never provide information in a phone call that you did not initiate.”
  4. Watch for individuals who have befriended a loved one. Ask to talk to the parent’s new friend to find out more. A thief won’t stick around long to chat.
  5. If you can’t be there for a senior, find trustworthy people who can serve as eyes and ears for seniors by screening door-to-door scammers and others who seek to exploit by telephone or computer. Helpers could be neighbours, relatives, friends, community leaders or professional caregivers such as those from your local Home Instead Senior Care office.
Home Instead Senior Care is Ireland’s trusted home care provider. Call today for a free consultation on 1890 930 847.

– See more at: https://seniorcare2017.wpengine.com/blog_information/12-09-10/5_Ways_to_Protect_Seniors_from_Scammers.aspx#sthash.qQzvQAGc.dpuf