There are many types of frauds and scams; however, it seems that only a choice few are used against the elderly and most times, these frauds or scams occur within just a few interactions.

One such type of scam/fraud is the offender uses a confidence game. This kind of fraud does not use a product or service; instead a broad range of fraudulent scenarios are committed in order to obtain cash from the elderly. The offender could mask himself or herself as being in a position of authority (such as a bank examiner) or other type of trustworthy person. The offender then concocts a story to get the victim to hand over cash, and then the offender vanishes.

Telemarketing is another way to scam the elderly. Usually victims are called at home; high pressure tactics are used to solicit money for fraudulent charities, insurance policies, travel packages, or sweepstakes. These types of operations are designed to limit the benefit to the customer while maximizing the profit for the telemarketer. It is also designed to reach a large amount of potential customers quickly and efficiently.

Using mail operations is another way of committing fraud against the elderly. This program is designed to reach a wide audience while relying on potential victims to return a postcard or call an indicated number. The mailings look official and usually are very personalized with the victims name repeated numerous times, include authentic-looking claim numbers, and have contradictory content and make what seems like a small monetary request.

Face-to-Face contact is another example of fraud against the elderly. It involves a product or service (home repair for example) and it requires the victim and offender to actually meet either at the victim’s home or a business. For example, a contractor is hired to do a job and requires and up-front payment for services to be performed and materials for the job (such as drywall, nails, etc). The victim gives the offender a check for the amount asked for (and usually it is a much higher amount that would be normal and customary) and the offender is never heard from again. Another example of this would be the scammer gaining entry to the victim’s house by posing as a utility worker and then distract the victim while an accomplice burglarizes the home.

When doing business, it is important to do research and background checks on who you let into your home. Basically, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. As an elderly citizen, it a good rule of thumb to have a trust friend or family member look over offers or be at your home with you while a contractor or utility worker is there.

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