More seniors than ever are reporting being tricked and robbed by predators, relatives, and “friends.” As my father became elderly, I was upset to find out how many people close to him had taken advantage of his kindness, prosperity, and trust. He became naive, and trusted people who my mother would have vetted when she was alive. If I pointed out to him that someone was stealing from him, he could become like a little boy and cry, “No!”
Because seniors often have money set aside in a retirement account, certain people may try to gain access to it. When I was a customer at our local credit union, a few people who worked in card services tried to swindle me out of money through a website overcharging for hotel rooms. Fortunately, I provided screenshots of the advertised rate and the hotels one site’s jacked up rate as proof. The credit union had to refund my money.
The woman on the phone tried to intimidate me by yelling and through intimidation. “This is a scam” I replied, hanging up the phone. I reported it to a government agency, and they investigated. My money was returned. After another episode that happened on a cruise, I closed all my accounts. An elderly woman standing in line in front of me was also closing hers. Sometimes the best thing we can do is to walk away from manipulators.
Have you experienced any scams as a senior? How did you handle it?
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We certainly have more dangers in our computer age, don't we! It is sad that I have learned to not answer my phone unless someone on my phone contact list calls! And scammers are getting more tricky each passing moment. andrea
ReplyDeleteThey are, Andrea. There are so many imposters. I don’t answer my phone unless it’s someone I know, either.
DeleteThey are out to get us, aren't they? I have stopped answering my phone if I don't recognize the phone number. I figure that, if it is important. they will leave me a voicemail. If they hang up without leaving a message, I block that phone number and delete the call. You have to be so diligent and aware all the time.
ReplyDeleteYou do, Bless. It sounds like you are on top of everything. I have even had people call me telling me that the are going to buy my house! So pushy…I gave them an earful!
ReplyDeleteMy lovely friend was tricked out of £750 when she received a text supposedly from her daughter. I'm very cautious now. I've had a whole spate of calls to my phone recently but never reply if I don't recognise the number. If it's important and/or genuine then the caller will leave a message
ReplyDeleteHow sad for your friend, Cherie. It’s easy to fall for these tricks, especially online. So many people won’t leave a voicemail, even if they are legit.
DeleteIt makes me angry that there are so many crooks working on us. I hang up on any calls from unknown numbers. I am very protective of my privacy. So far, no scams have occurred here. You cannot be too careful.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Anita. I also got on the Do Not Call list for realtors. That has really helped.
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