Protecting Seniors From Scams: Important Tips For Families

Seniors are a vulnerable population at risk of being scammed through various tactics by phone, email, or social media. Scammers will often use emotion-provoking strategies to scare seniors into providing sensitive information, or even money. It is important to inform your loved ones about the risk of scams, and how to spot the signs before it is too late.

Be Suspicious of Urgent Requests

Scammers will often use urgency as an attempt to scare someone into acting fast to provide money or personal information. Remind your loved one that legitimate organizations would not use fear or threaten you.

Be Hesitant to Provide Personal Information

Just because something seems legitimate, doesn't mean it is. If someone is requesting sensitive information over the phone or by email such as your banking details or social insurance number, don't provide it to them. Ensure your loved one knows not to provide anyone with this information, unless they are in-person at a trusted organization.

Make It a Habit to Verify

If a call or email seems suspicious, be sure to verify the details. Call the organization by their official phone number to verify if they are trying to contact you. Even if it seems urgent, tell your loved one to take the steps necessary to check the legitimacy of information.

Encourage Open Conversation

Seniors may feel embarrassed if they were scammed into doing something such as providing money to someone. By encouraging open conversation about the risks and consequences of scams, your loved one will feel more comfortable talking about it.

Remember it is important for your loved one to be aware of the common signs of scams, so they can be proactive. Make sure to have a conversation with any seniors in your life about the risks of scams and how they target the senior population. If you suspect you or your loved one was scammed, contact your local authorities.

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