Senior Wellness Guides Senior Fraud Prevention Booklet User Guide

: September 10, 2024
: Senior Wellness Guides

Table of Contents

Senior Wellness Guides Senior Fraud Prevention Booklet
Product Usage Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
Section One
Section Two
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Senior Wellness Guides Senior Fraud Prevention Booklet

Specifications:

Total Pages: 20
Booklet Size Closed: 6-1/2″ high x 4-1/4″ wide
Opens to: 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″

Product Usage Instructions

Section One: Common Frauds and Scams

This section provides information about common scams and frauds targeting older adults. It includes tips on how to avoid these scams and where to seek help.

Common Frauds and Scams:

Describes popular scams reported by officials, such as pretending to be from IRS, Social Security, or Medicare to deceive victims.

Tips for Avoiding Scams and Frauds:

Avoid responding to calls or mailings claiming you’ve won money but need to pay fees first.
Be cautious of requests for remote access to fix computer issues or demands for payment.
Stay alert for impostors claiming emergencies and requesting immediate financial help.

Where to Find Help:

This section provides information on contacting credit bureaus, preventing Medicare fraud, and avoiding gift card scams.

Section Two: Tips for Avoiding Scams and Frauds

Experts recommend the following tips to avoid falling victim to scams:

Avoid feeling pressured to act quickly. Contact the police if there is imminent danger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I reproduce the PDF in any format?
- A: No, reproducing the PDF in any format is prohibited as per the copyright notice.
Q: What are the most common types of frauds reported?
- A: The most common types include Tech and Customer Support schemes, as mentioned in the booklet.

Product Information

This is a Full-Size PDF Copy of ACP’s new Senior Fraud Prevention Booklet. 20 total pages; booklet size closed: 6-1/2” high x 4-1/4” wide; opens to 6-1/2” x 8-1/2” FREE Custom Covers with Your Order of 1,000+ Booklets—See Back Page for Details. Please Note: The words “Review Copy” shown on the inside pages do not appear on the actual printed booklets. This content and format copyright 2024 by American Custom Publishing. All rights reserved. This PDF may not be reproduced in any format; violators are subject to legal action. For custom options, prices, and client samples,

contact: Gary W. Ford,
ACP publisher gford@acpinc.com
Phone: 1-800-828-8225
SeniorWellnessGuides.com

Frauds & Scams Are a Growing Problem in the U.S.

Section One

For quick reference, this section is highlighted with blue bars. You’ll !nd pages about the common scams and frauds that target older adults, tips to avoid these scams and where to get help

Common Frauds and Scams

These two pages describe the most popular scams and frauds as reported by local, state and federal officials.

Government Impersonation Scams:C Scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security or Medicare, and tell the victim they will be arrested, deported or lose benefits. They then ask for personal identifying information or payment.
Sweepstakes/Lottery Scams: You receive calls or mailings claiming you have won a substantial amount of money, but must first pay a fee or taxes to collect your winnings. These winnings don’t exist.
Tech Support Scams: Scammers contact you, posing as tech support representatives. They claim your computer has a virus or other issues. Then they request remote access to your device to steal information or demand payment for “fixing” the problem.
The Grandparent Scam: Fraudsters impersonate grandchildren or other relatives in distress. They claim they need immediate financial help due to an emergency, such as an accident or legal trouble. Common Frauds and Scams
Romance Scams: Scammers create fake online profiles, often on dating websites, and establish romantic relationships. They exploit emotions and trust to request money.
Investment Fraud: Retirees are targeted with promises of high returns or guaranteed income in either non-existent or high-risk investment schemes.
Robocall/Phone Scams: Fraudsters often “spoof” a number, making it appear as if a call is coming from a legitimate organization. There are many variations of this scam, most ending with the caller requesting money.
Medicare Fraud: Scammers pose as healthcare providers, offering unnecessary services or equipment. They bill Medicare for these fraudulent claims.
E-mail and Text Message Fraud: E-mails or text messages may appear to be from a bank, credit card company or other business. They request personal data, such as log-in passwords, Social Security numbers or credit card information.
Internet Fraud: Pop-up browser windows that look like anti-virus software are actually expensive fake programs or actual viruses.

Tips for Avoiding Scams and Frauds

Experts recommend reviewing the following points to help you avoid becoming a victim.

Scammers create a sense of urgency, so resist pressure to act quickly. Call the police if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.
Always be cautious when you receive a phone call, text, e-mail, mailing or in-person visit from someone you do not know. If they ask for personal information (like a Social Security number or log-in information) or money, it is most likely a scam.
Be suspicious if anyone demands payment by cryptocurrency, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers or mailing cash.
If you suspect you are the victim of a fraud, immediately contact your financial institution to place protections on your accounts.
Seek advice from trusted sources, such as family members, friends or professionals, before making major financial decisions.
Consider asking someone you trust to set up a contact list on your phone and block calls from everyone but family, friends, health professionals and other important numbers.
Stay informed. Seek information on frauds and scams from AARP, the FBI or other trusted websites.
Government or law enforcement will never contact you by phone to say that you are under investigation.
If someone you don’t know contacts you and asks for remote access to your computer, it’s a scam. Contact someone you trust.
Be careful what you post online. Scammers can use information from social media to better understand and target you.
Use strong and unique passwords for online accounts, and shred documents with personal information before discarding them.
Use antivirus software from a reputable company and keep it up-to-date.
Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you do not know.
Be careful of pop-up windows on your computer, tablet or cell phone. Shut down your device and disconnect from the Internet if a pop-up message locks your screen. Sources: FBI, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission

Where to Find Help

Here are resources that may be helpful.

AARP Fraud Watch Network
1-877-908-3360, aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork Get guidance from fraud specialists.
Department of Justice National Elder
Fraud Hotline 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), ovc.ojp.gov/program /stop-elder-fraud Case managers are available to assist you.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) ic3.gov
This is the federal hub for reporting cyber crime. Fraud specialists provide free support and guidance.
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116, eldercare.acl.gov Find services for older adults through this public service from the U.S. government.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), reportfraud.ftc.gov
You can report anything you think is a fraud, scam or bad business practice.
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
1-571-527-3900, ncoa.org Find tips on avoiding scams and frauds.

Contact Information for the Top Credit Reporting Companies

Equifax: Security Freeze 1-800-685-1111 Place a fraud alert 1-888-766-0008
Experian: Security Freeze 1-888-397-3742 Place a fraud alert 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: Security Freeze 1-800-680-7289 Place a fraud alert 1-888-909-8872

Tips to Prevent Medicare Fraud

If you get a call, text or e-mail asking for your Medicare Number, don’t respond. Don’t give your Medicare card or Medicare number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn’t get or a product you didn’t order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-633-4227.
Guard your Medicare card. Treat it like a credit card!

Hang Up on Gift Card Scams

Buying a gift card to pay someone?
STOP. It’s a scam!
Gift cards are for gifts, not for payments.

Is someone on the phone telling you to pay them with a gift card to:

Pay an IRS debt?
Keep your Social Security benefits?
Keep your utilities on?
Pay for tech support?
Pay for a family member in trouble?
Pay a member of the military needing money?
Pay bail or ransom?
Avoid arrest or deportation?

If you answered yes, HANG UP. It’s a scam. Report the scams to the Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov For more information on gift card scams: ftc.gov/giftcards Adapted from the Federal Trade Commission.

Section Two

This section has green bars for quick reference. You’ll !nd space to record information, useful checklists and a true/false, multiple-choice quiz.

Steps to Get Help

If you, a loved one or a friend feel you are a victim of fraud, follow these initial steps.

Contact Your Financial Institution
Place protections on your account.
Financial institution contact:
Contact Local Law Enforcement
Contact your local police department or
sheriff’s office for assistance.
Law enforcement contact:
Contact Your State Attorney General
Visit naag.org/find-my-ag to find your state attorney general.
State attorney general contact:

Scam Report Log

Date and Time: __
Description of Incident: ____
Amount of Money Involved: ____
Actions Taken: ___
Additional Notes:_____
Date and Time: __
Description of Incident: ____
Amount of Money Involved: ____
Actions Taken: ___
Additional Notes:_____

Fraud Prevention Checklist

Here’s a checklist of things to do to help prevent scams and fraud.

Monitor Financial Statements: Review your bank and credit card statements regularly to detect unauthorized activity.
Check Your Credit Report: You have the right to request one free copy of your credit report each year by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
Shred Sensitive Documents: Shred financial statements, bills or other documents containing personal information.
Use Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts. Consider using a password manager. This is a computer program that helps you create, store and remember passwords.
Stay Informed: Read reliable sources to stay current on common scams and frauds targeting older adults.
Ask For Help: Seek advice from family members, friends or trusted professionals when making significant financial decisions, or if you suspect fraudulent activity.

Suspicious Activity Checklist

Use this checklist when you think you may be a target of a scam or fraud.

Unexpected Requests for Personal Information: Does the communication request sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords?
Pressure to Act Quickly: Is there a sense of urgency or pressure to respond immediately without giving time to think or verify the legitimacy of the request?
Too Good to Be True O!ers: Does the offer promise unrealistic returns, prizes, or rewards for little to no effort or investment?
Unsolicited Communication: Is the communication unsolicited, such as unexpected phone calls, e-mails, or messages from unknown individuals or organizations?
Requests for Payment or Money Transfers: Is there a request for upfront payment, wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency as part of the offer or request?
Intimidation Tactics: Does the communication include threats of legal action, arrest, or harm if immediate action is not taken?

Scams Quiz

Take this quiz to “nd out how much you know about senior scams and frauds. Circle your answers

Scammers often use fear tactics or urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions. True – False
It’s safe to click on links or download attachments in e-mails from unknown senders. True – False
Scammers often use technology to make their phone numbers appear legitimate or local. True – False
What is phishing?
- A. Scams involving fake charities
- B. Scams targeting seniors specifically
- C. Scams where scammers pretend to be a trusted entity to obtain sensitive information
- D. Scams offering discounted products
It’s safe to wire money to someone you’ve never met in person, even if they claim to be in an emergency situation. True – False
What is the best way to verify the identity of someone claiming to be from a legitimate organization?
- A. Ask for personal information
- B. Call back using a number from the organization’s official website or statement
- C. Provide financial information
- D. Trust their word
If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, there’s nothing you can do to recover your money or your information. True – False
What is a common tactic used by scammers to gain trust?
- A. Threatening language
- B. Urgency or fear tactics
- C. Offering something for free
- D. All of the above
You can always trust online reviews and ratings when making a purchase or hiring a service. True – False
It’s safe to give out your credit card information to someone who calls claiming to be from your bank’s fraud department. True – False

Quiz Answers

True
False. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders can lead to serious problems. When in doubt, don’t click a link or open an attachment.
True
C
False
B
False. While it can be challenging, there are often steps that victims can take to report the scam, recover lost funds, and protect themselves from further harm, such as contacting their bank or credit card companies and reporting the incident to law enforcement.
D
False. While online reviews and ratings can provide helpful insights, they can also be manipulated or faked. It’s important to verify information from multiple sources. Be careful when making decisions based solely on reviews.
False. Banks and financial institutions typically do not request sensitive information like credit card numbers over the phone. This can be a warning sign of a scam.

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Available for immediate delivery.

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References

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