Previously mentioned were the top five scams exploited in the aging community, but there are additional scams people should be aware of. Everyone is subject to scams, but the older generation tends to fall, victim, because the deceptions appear genuine, and the person may not recognize the dishonesty. Scams come in many forms, including text messages, phone calls, emails, and mail. Deciphering what comes from a reliable source and who is hustling money can be difficult.

Additional scams to be aware of

• Phishing Scams
• Abusive Tax Schemes or Preparers of Fraudulent Returns
• Investment Related Scams
• COVID-19 Scams
• COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program Scams / Natural Disaster Scams
• Charity Scams
• Grandparent COVID-19 Scams

Phishing Scams

A person receives a message from a bogus website that looks like a legitimate company. The notice provides a link for the person to click, and everything looks proper. From there, the fraudster asks for the person’s username, password, or credit card. Be wary of these messages. Their malicious attachments could hack your computer or damage it. Always be careful of emails, texts, or pop-ups with attachments or links that ask for personal or sensitive information, and create a sense of urgency. Look at the email address versus the name on the email to help identify these scams.

Abusive Tax Schemes or Prepares of Fraudulent Returns

Scammers promote false hopes of significant tax deductions from scrupulous arrangements. They tend to charge high fees and market them aggressively, while schemers find ways to cheat the system. Promoters talk about tax benefits or gross valuation overstatements that they know are false or fraudulent. They promise to reduce or eliminate a person’s tax liability. Use a reputable tax preparer and be wary of promises that seem too good to be true.

Investment Schemes

Investment schemes are when a person or company targets investors with misleading sales tactics or outright fraud. Learn more about these various fraud programs at NASAA.org.

COVID-19 Scams

Scammers offer tests or dangerous treatments that are not effective. They may request personal information to provide this service but use it for identity theft.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program Scams / Natural Disaster Scams

Scammers pretend to be from FEMA and offer federal assistance for funeral expenses or compensation for loss from a natural disaster. Again, the purpose of this scam is identity theft. Swindlers are taking advantage of people during a low time of their life. Avoid this by reaching out directly to FEMA’s toll-free number,  844-684-6333.

Charity Scams

Fake charities pop up while a person is online. Scammers claim to be from real charities but pocket the money themselves. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable charity before donating to them.

Grandparent COVID-19 Scams

Grandparent scams have become more prevalent since COVID. An imposter pretends to be a person’s family member or grandchild and asks the victim to send money for fake medical or travel expenses. Before sending money to a family member, make sure it is them.

Report Scams

Financial abuse is out there, and it can be easy to become a victim. Con artists are good at deceiving people, which can financially cripple a person for years. Anyone can fall victim regardless of intelligence since they look legit. Scammers are inside the United States and outside of the United States, where U.S. officials do not have control over the situation. Always report scams to your local authority or the National Elder Fraud Hotline.