Seniors Can Avoid Fraud

It seems that seniors are more susceptible to certain types of fraud.  Those types are primarily telemarketing and internet fraud, but also possible victims of other kinds of fraud  In this post, we will consider the reality of becoming a victim of fraud and how to lower the risks of becoming a victim.

Let me begin by saying that I completely understand that many of you may think, "I live in a small town, and that's never been a problem here." It's a very common thought and quite comforting.

But, you know what? We live in a world where distance is no longer a barrier - people from the other side of the globe can reach out and, unfortunately, scam us if we're not vigilant.

I know it sounds scary. But don't worry; we're not going to leave you feeling defenseless. We will equip you with crucial facts and strategies to help guard against fraud.

So, you may wonder, "Why or how could I become a victim of fraud?" Quite simply, those trying to scam you are under the misconception that all seniors have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts.

Scammers think seniors are less likely to be internet-savvy and thus may fall for their underhanded tactics. Our goal today is to prove them wrong!

Types of Scams

One of the most common scams targeting the elderly is the lottery or sweepstakes scam. The scammer will inform you that you've won a sweepstake or a lottery you don't remember entering.

They will then request payment for taxes or fees to claim your so-called winning. Be aware, friends. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Another common type of fraud is the grandparent scam. Someone might call and pretend to be your grandchild in trouble, urgently requiring money. So, always verify before sending any money. Call your grandchild or their parents before doing anything.

Also, anyone who contacts you claiming to be from government agencies and demands immediate payment should be treated with a grain of salt.

Remember, no government agency, including the IRS, will request payments via wire transfer gift cards or demand immediate payment over the phone.

Recently, Medicare scams have been on the rise as well. Scammers pretend to be Medicare representatives to get you to give them your personal information. Remember that Medicare will never call and ask for your financial information.

Romance scams are also rampant. Loneliness can make us vulnerable to such scams. Remember, anyone who professes love too quickly and asks for financial help should raise a red flag.

How to Protect Yourself

Now that we know common scams let's chat about protecting yourself.

As Christians, we believe in the goodness of most people. However, we also need to exercise wisdom and caution. Proverbs 14:16 says, "The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure." This scripture aptly applies to our topic. We need to shun the evil designs of scammers while standing secure in our wisdom.

Firstly, keep your personal information personal and safe. That includes your social security number, bank details, Medicare number, and other financial information.

Secondly, don't answer calls from unknown numbers. If you don’t recognize the number of the incoming call, don’t answer it. Let them leave a message. This will allow you to validate the authenticity of the caller.

Thirdly, browse the internet safely. Be cautious about what you share on social media. This information could be valuable to fraudsters.

Also, ensure your computer's security system is up-to-date to protect against fraudulent activities, and use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.

Remember to validate the credentials of unknown callers and do not make immediate payments based on unsolicited phone calls or emails.

Lastly, it is if something feels wrong or too good to be true. Pray for discernment and seek advice from family, friends, or church leaders.

Let's conclude by reminding ourselves of 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind." Even in the face of potential scams and fraud, we have God-given wisdom and strength to confront and overcome these challenges.

Remember, vulnerability to fraud is not a sign of weakness or gullibility; it's simply a sign of being human. Equip yourselves with knowledge and trust in God’s protection. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and let’s show those scammers that we, seniors, are not easy targets!

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