Shielding our seniors: A guide to combat scams and reclaim financial security
In today’s digital age, protecting our elderly loved ones from scams and fraud has become more critical than ever. Scammers often prey on the trusting nature and vulnerabilities of older individuals, making it essential to equip them with knowledge and tools to defend against exploitation. Here are practical steps to fortify their defenses, along with guidance on what to do if they fall victim to a scam, and how to recover.
- Education and awareness. Start by educating elders about common scams, such as fraudulent calls, phishing emails, and identity theft. Encourage them to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information.
- Secure personal information. Advise elders to safeguard sensitive information like social security numbers, bank account details, and passwords. Discourage them from sharing such information over the phone or online unless necessary and from unknown sources.
- Stay updated with technology. Help elders stay informed about the latest security features and technologies that can protect them from scams. Install call-blocking apps to filter out suspicious calls and enable spam filters on email accounts.
- Verify before acting. Teach elders to verify the legitimacy of requests or offers before taking any action. Encourage them to consult with trusted family members or friends before making financial decisions.
- What to do if you become a victim. If an elder falls victim to a scam, advise them to act quickly. They should report the incident to the local law enforcement, their bank, and relevant agencies like the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). - Recovery process. Assist elders in taking steps to recover from the scam. This may include freezing compromised accounts, disputing fraudulent charges, and updating security measures to prevent future incidents.
- Seek emotional support. Scams can have a significant emotional impact on victims. Encourage elders to seek support from family members, friends, or counseling services to cope with any feelings of shame, embarrassment, or anxiety.
By following these proactive steps and offering support in times of need, we can empower our elders to defend against scams, minimize financial losses, and reclaim their sense of security and well-being.
Additionally, should a scammer obtain your information, here are the steps to take.
Don't Be a Victim of Scams or Fraud
- Place a fraud alert. It’s FREE, stays in place for one year and requires a business to take steps to verify that it is in fact you that is applying for the good or service. Call one of the credit bureaus and they’ll notify the other two.
- Consider a security freeze. It’s FREE and will prevent a business from accessing your credit report for new products or services, unless you temporarily lift the freeze. You must call each of the credit bureaus to do this.
Equifax: (800) 685-1111
TransUnion: (800) 680-7289
Experian: (888) 397-3742
- Monitor financial and personal statements. Be sure that your bills and statements are arriving on time and are correct. ID Thieves don’t just use your information to get money. Your Social Security Number can be used to receive government benefits, driver’s license/ID, tax refund, and medical benefits. So, be sure to monitor
ALL of your statements and always be alert for any suspicious or unexpected letters or phone calls!
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office recommends the following websites for additional information.
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs . 803-734-4200 . www.consumer.sc.gov
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs’ ID Theft Unit . 803-734-4200 www.consumer.sc.gov/identity-theft-unit
Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) . www.ic3.gov
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Reporting fraud or identity theft . 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) . www.reportfraud.ftc.gov | www.identitytheft.gov
Register for Do Not Call . www.donotcall.gov
Free annual credit reports . 1-877-322-8228 . www.annualcreditreport.com
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) . 1-888-225-5322 www.consumercomplaints.fcc.gov