Tips to guard against scams against elderly

By The Associated Press

Tools

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 30, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

Story Updated: May 30, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

Here are a few suggestions to help avoid scams against the elderly, provided by the Los Angeles Police Department:

— Stay involved with the seniors in your lives and ask specific questions. Ask them questions like "Who did you hear from today?" and "What's going on?"

— Tell seniors to be on alert if a caller says, "You must act now or the offer won't be any good," or claims you've won something but have to pay for postage, handling or other charges.

— Watch your senior's mail pile. Monitor how many catalogs, sweepstakes mailings, vacation home offers and investment solicitations come in. Remove your relative's name and contact information from marketing lists. To learn how, go to dmachoice.org.

— Keep an eye on the "caller ID log." Is there an increase in telephone calls from unfamiliar numbers?

— Monitor purchases. Is your relative's home filling up with new purchases, particularly expensive ones? If so, someone could be hitting him with a scam in which he must make purchases for the opportunity to "win big."

— Be wary of a caregiver who tries to separate your loved one from the rest of the family, or restrict your contact.

— Tell your elderly loved ones there is no reason to give their credit card number, bank account information or Social Security number to a telemarketer, even to claim a prize.

___

To file a confidential report of an endangered adult, call the Indiana Adult Protective Services Hotline at 800-992-6978.

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