SCAMS AND FRAUDS  

Program 3  

“They protected you, now it’s your turn” 

Elder abuse is the intentional act or failure to act that causes a risk for, or harms and older adult. Elder abuse can have several physical and emotional effects on a loved one. By listening to an elder, educating yourself on how to recognizing and act on elder abuse, Sosopworld will provide caregivers with the support they need to prevent all forms of elder abuse.   

All scammers know that most older adults have money just sitting in their accounts. But sadly, it’s not just wealthy seniors who get targeted. Low-income adults are also at risk of scams and frauds. Another statistic is that over 90% of all elder abuse is committed by the senior’s own family.   

Caregivers and seniors who live alone should learn how to identify and stop the most prominent scams and frauds.  

• GOVERNMENT IMPOSTOR SCAM – They call unsuspecting victims and pretend to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They may say that you have unpaid back taxes and threaten heavy fines or imprisonment. Hang up and if possible block the caller.   

 “Click here for Professional Help and support” 

• THE GRANDPARENT SCAM – Because scammers use the seniors most vulnerable asset, their heart, they can say things like: “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is? If she says a name of one of her grand children, the scammer has and in. They will then ask for money to get them out of a situation.  

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

• COMPUTER TECH SUPPORT SCAMS – This scam preys on older people’s lack of knowledge about computers and cybersecurity. Usually a blank screen appears on a computer or phone, it says that your device is compromised and needs fixing. If you fall for this, the scammer will request for remote access to your computer or that you must pay for repairs. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

• LOTTERY & SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS – This scam has been around for a while, and it amazing how well it still works. A person will receive a message that they have won a lottery or sweepstake and they need to make a small payment to unlock the prize. The scammer will then send a cheque (in good faith), but when the victim tries to cash it (it bounces). Sadly, they are never heard from again. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

• PHONE SCAMS & ROBOCALLS – This is a money maker for scammers. All they do is place a large number of random calls to unsuspecting people. When you answer a question, they hang up because they have your number and permission to use your information for anything they choose. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

• ROMANCE SCAMS – Romance scammers create elaborate fake profiles, on social media, and target our seniors’ loneliness to rob them of their money.   

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• EMAIL AND INTERNET FRAUD – Some older people are easy targets for automated internet scams. Pop-up browser windows with virus-scanning software will fool victims into downloading the anti-virus program. Scammers make emails and text messages look like they’re from a company you know well. They will usually ask you to update your account or your credit card information. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

• ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSE – Sad to say, but 90% of fraud against our seniors is committed by a family or friend. These trusted individuals try to gain control of an elder’s money. Loved ones who have a disability (such as dementia) are most at risk.  

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

• A CHARITY SCAM – These scammers take advantage of a senior’s goodwill caring attitude. They usually hit when a natural disaster strikes. You can usually spot a scam when they ask for gift cards or money transfer.    

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

It’s no shame to be a victim of a scam or fraud. It happens to thousands of people a day. If you feel you’ve been scammed there are people you can call. Local police and your bank are good starts. Doing nothing could make things worse. 

WITH RESPECT 

THE SOSOPWORLD TEAM