Scams Targeted to Seniors and How to Avoid Them

You may think that it won’t happen to you, but more than 1 in 10 elderly people are scammed every year. This article will provide knowledge about scams that specifically target seniors while giving you the resources on how to avoid them. 

Medicare Scams

This is the most common health care scam targeted to seniors. Criminals target seniors by making false claims to obtain your medical information. Scammers do this by claiming that there are new policies about your medicare or insurance. They will ask you to identify personal information, such as your banking information, claiming that it is necessary to update your information to get medicaid benefits. They will often call repeatedly to wear you down. They may even have access to some of your personal information to try to prove legitness.

Tips on avoiding Medicare Scams::

  • Medicare and Medicaid Services will never call you to update your information over the phone.

  • You should never provide personal information over the phone, no matter what they claim.

  • It’s possible to contact your phone company and adjust the features on who is allowed to call you.

Prescription Drug Scams

In the US, it’s common for seniors to look on the internet for cheaper alternatives to medication. Scammers know this, and will often set up websites selling seemingly legitimate medication at a low price. It’s understandably tempting to take the risk of purchasing these items at such a low price but be wary; counterfeit prescription drugs can be potentially hazardous to your health with the only alternative being that the drugs do nothing at all, leaving you lacking the medication you need. 

Tips on avoiding prescription drug scams:

  • Don’t purchase anything from a website that is not verified by the VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site).

  • Examine the package and number of the prescription; if you see anything suspicious–contact your pharmacist.

  • Be wary of anything that may seem “too good to be true.” 

Grandparent Scams

This is one of the more heinous crimes because scammers specifically prey on senior’s emotions. The scammer will call and pose as a grandchild, usually speaking frantically and quickly to make it seem like they are in a dangerous situation. Scammers may make serious claims such as being stuck in a foreign country, being in an accident or claiming to be hospitalized. They may even have another person to back up the story, pretending to be a robberer or police officer.This scam is not only conducted over the phone, it can be conducted via text messages or social media so be cautious of any suspicious messages.  

Tips on how to avoid a Grandparent Scam:

  • The first warning sign is the scammer immediately asking for money; never send money without verifying someone’s identity, especially over the phone.

  • One commonality of a grandparent scam is them pleading for you not to contact anyone. Ignore this and hang up immediately. Call the grandchild or family member on their normal number. 

  • Don’t give any personal information, often they will try to get you to say your family member’s name before claiming to be them.

  • Make your social media accounts private and don’t add anyone you don’t know. Scammers will try to get personal details about your life so that they can gain your trust. 

Scammers target the elderly population because they believe them to be naive. These tips will let scammers know that you won’t be easily deceived. Be wary of strangers and trust your instincts. 

Madison Calhoon