A sad truth about scammers and con artists is that they often prey on senior citizens. Far too many seniors frequently fall for online and offline scams that rob them of their time and money. Sit down with your mom and dad and discuss with them what makes a scam a scam. When they know what to avoid, they’re less likely to be victimized. The following tips will help you protect your parents from these unsavory predators.
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- Much as they did when you were a teen or young adult, remind your parents that they can always come to you, that no topic is off-limits, and that nothing they may have experienced will embarrass them or cause you to be angry with them.
- Instead of instructing your parents to abruptly end phone calls or disregard direct mail and emails, explain why you are concerned and point out the obvious features that constitute a scam.
- Payment should never be made in order to receive a contest award or lottery prize
- Governmental agencies never make unsolicited telephone calls
- Identifying information such as social security numbers and dates of birth should never be shared in a phone call they did not initiate
- Avoid using language that might cause your mom or dad to feel embarrassed.
- Because we live in an increasingly digital age, remind your parents never to share login information to any online banking, social media, or cell phone accounts.
- Discourage them from sharing sensitive data or information on public Wi-Fi accounts. That might include their local library, coffeehouse, or community center.
- Ask them to consider joining opt-out lists with the Direct Marketing Association. This can help limit the number of potentially dangerous calls that come into their home.
- Routinely check your parents’ credit report to ensure no identity theft has taken place and no new or unfamiliar accounts have been opened in their names.
Protecting your parents from fraud is even more important if you do not live in close proximity to them. Your parents might innocently respond to phishing emails, seemingly realistic mailed letters, or fraudulent telephone calls. It can also make your parents feel scolded when you make warnings or demands on them. That doesn’t negate the responsibility you feel to protect them. If you need help protecting your parents and their hard-earned assets, call Grissom Law, LLC. We can help you establish power of attorney or pursue other legal avenues that put safeguards in place to give you and your parents invaluable peace of mind.
Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and Grissom Law, LLC.