Tag / scams against seniors

by The Seniors Center

This Holiday Season, Avoid Charity Scams

presents representing charity scams
Unsplash

Donating to charity this holiday season? Make sure you do your research first to avoid charity scams.

Charity scams are unfortunately common, especially during the holidays when people are feeling more generous. Scammers take advantage of this by posing as legitimate charities and asking for donations. They may even set up fake websites or social media accounts that look real.

Staying Safe from Charity Scams

According to AARP, you can take the following steps to avoid charity scams:

  • Research the charity before you donate. Make sure it’s a legitimate organization by checking out websites like the Better Business Bureau.
  • Ask about tax deductions. Legitimate charities will be able to provide information about tax deductions for your donation.
  • Hang up if you need to. If a caller is being pushy or aggressive, it’s a red flag. Just hang up and donate to a charity of your choice instead.
  • Watch for sneaky name changes. Some scammers will try to trick you by using a similar name to a legitimate charity. So be sure to double-check before you donate.

You can stay safe from charity scams this holiday season by doing your research and being aware of red flags. Don’t let scammers take advantage of your generosity—give to a charity of your choice instead. Follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook to learn more about common senior scams and how to avoid them.

by The Seniors Center

Do You Know How to Spot the Signs of Scams Against Seniors?

scams against seniors
Pexels

It’s important for seniors to be aware of the many scams that exist. Unfortunately, scammers often target seniors because they may be seen as more vulnerable. These scams against seniors can take many forms, from email and phone scams to identity theft.

Common Scams Against Seniors

The Department of Justice has put together a guide to some of the most common scams that target seniors. These include:

Family Imposter scams: In this type of scam, a con artist pretends to be a family member or friend in need of money. They may even go so far as to create a fake email account or social media profile in the name of the person they’re pretending to be.

Romance scams: With this scam, the con artist creates a fake online dating profile and gains the trust of their victim. They may even send flowers or other gifts. Once they have gained the victim’s trust, they will ask for money.

Tech Support scams: In this scam, the scammer will call or email their victim pretending to be from a tech company like Microsoft. They will then claim that the victim’s computer has a virus and offer to fix it for a fee.

Knowing how to spot these scams is the first step in protecting yourself. If you are contacted by someone who you think may be a scammer, do not give them any personal information. Hang up the phone or delete the email. You can also contact your local law enforcement to report the scam.

The Seniors Center

The Seniors Center is here to help retirees stay safe. Keep up with our latest posts on elder abuse and fraud, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates.