Ways to Avoid Elder Fraud

There are many scams out there targeting the elderly. Most of these can be avoided by taking a few general precautions.

Never buy anything from a door to door salesperson.

Common scams include yard care and home repair scams. The scam artist will attempt to convince you that your home or yard is in need of immediate care. Avoid this offer. Instead ask friends for a reference then call directly for a request for any needed services.

Be careful of new people in your life.

Is there a new person in your life who has taken a sudden interest in you? New friends are great, but if that new friend asks for money, that is a big red flag that something is wrong. Get a second opinion from a trusted friend or family member before giving away money to new "friends" because these "friends" are often scam artists who gain your trust then seek to steal your money to help the fake family member who needs surgery or who suddenly needs rent money so their kids don't get kicked out to the street. Advise such people to seek assistance from legitimate charities or government agencies.

You can't win a lottery you never entered.

Got a recent email claiming you have won the lottery? There have been a number of fake lottery emails circulating. If the lottery asks you to submit money to collect your winnings, it is a scam. If you have won a lottery you never entered, it is a scam. Do not respond to such emails.

Be careful of whom you give power of attorney

Many scams on the elderly are committed by family members who obtain power of attorney over the elderly person's account then drain the account for their own gain rather than the benefit of the elderly person. If you find a family member has POA then isolates you from other family members, get help from family, local government (police, adult protective services). Also, consider hiring an attorney to draft the POA and go over your rights with you.