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The Increased Vulnerability of Seniors to Frauds, and Scams During COVID

  • Writer: Patricia Faust
    Patricia Faust
  • Sep 3, 2020
  • 3 min read


Just when you think we have seen the worst of the worst during the pandemic, the alert about scams and frauds against older people is being sent out as a priority. Coronavirus provides a better opportunity to target older people who may be isolated due to social distancing. Isolation is creating an additional problem with this group. Because the opportunity to socialize with others has been cut off, many of these seniors are experiencing cognitive decline. They are extremely vulnerable to COVID-related phone or internet scams.

The COVID Scams Targeting Older Adults

At-Home Test Kits

The telephone is like an open door for scammers to enter into the lives of older adults. They are taking advantage of the vulnerability of seniors when they call or text about offering ‘coronavirus test kits in an effort to capture their credit card or banking information. Some goes as far as posing as a government agent to have them ‘verify’ their Medicare ID or Social Security number. Scammers may even ask for their home address in order to drop off the product they are supposedly selling them.

Bogus COVID-19- Related Products and Services

This category is limited only by the imagination of the scammer. Many phone and text scams are falsely advertising products, such as fake drugs, vaccines and devices that claim to prevent or cure COVID-19. Some create a sense of urgency to order products due to shortages or to stock up and purchase products at much higher prices. Other scammers take a different approach and offer services, such as, in-home HVAC cleaning or mosquito abatement, that falsely claim to protect people from contracting the COVID virus. Then there are the fake gift card emails being sent to older adults to offer ‘assistance’ during the crisis, or ‘reward’ people for following public health guidelines.

Impersonating a Government Agency

This is insidious. Scammers pose as a representative of the Social Security Administration and contact older recipients to inform them that their benefits will be suspended or decreased due to COVID-19 unless they provide personal information or payment.

The federal government Does Not randomly call an individual – ever – if they need information.

Insurance Scams

Several scams are offering low-cost health and life insurance, often together with At-Home COVID test kits or other products that are being presented as ‘free gifts’.


Stimulus-Related Scams

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is aware of several scams related to stimulus payments and loans that are being offered as part of the federal government’s response to COVID-19. These scams ask consumers to provide bank account information so funds can be ‘released’, or loan applications approved.

Charity Scams

Charity scams prey on the good nature of many older adults by aiming to collect money for bogus COVID-19 relief charities. Real charities will not ask for personal information such as Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account. Be alert to any organizations asking for donations of cash or by wire transfer. Visit an organization’s website to determine their validity.

What Should You Do if a Senior is a Victim of a COVID-19 Scam?

If your senior loved one receives a suspicious text, call, or email related to COVID-19, or if you think they might be a victim of a COVID-19 hoax, file a complaint with the FCC immediately and contact local law enforcement.

If your loved was indeed a victim of a COVID-19 scam, they might be embarrassed to tell you or report the incident. Encourage them to be honest about what happened. This will help you and the authorities take steps to minimize potential damage and prevent fraud from occurring.

References:

Griffith, D. (June 3, 2020). New scams target older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved from https://epgn.com/2020/06/03/new-scams-target-older-adults-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

 
 
 

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March was an unusual month for me.  Normally I work on articles, give presentations and generally just stay tuned to what is going on in the field of aging.  This month I “learned” a lot.  Last year I learned how to write a book.  At the time I took the course I thought it would just be a natural extension of all the writing I had done over the years.  WRONG!!  The actual writing of the book was the easy part.  Putting it together into a book was difficult for me.  The course gave me step by step lessons on constructing a book.  Then editing and formatting were just as challenging.  On June 7 last year the book was published!  It was one of the most satisfying days of my writing career. 

Naturally, when you self-publish, you do not have a publisher promoting the book and getting it in the right categories for best sales on Amazon.  That was crushing because I really didn’t know to appropriately market it.  I am a brain health person!  In December of last year, I purchased a marketing program that is based on statistics.  I am technical minded and so this approach made sense to me.  The course is almost completed.  Can’t wait to see if it improves sales!

The next step I am looking at is recording an audiobook.  This is another venture I knew nothing about.  But I am already tagged on Facebook for marketing of audio book programs.  Facebook picks up everything.  Now my husband was creative director for an advertising agency and when I told him I purchased another class – he couldn’t believe it.  “This was my business.  I know how to do recordings, why didn’t you ask me?” Well, I knew he was an expert in that business, but this audiobook needs to meet all the criteria that Amazon requires for publication.  So, he can take care of the recording part of this audiobook, and I will navigate the process of meeting Amazon’s requirements.  We worked on the book together like this. 

Then I talked with some coaching experts on the viability of starting group teaching programs.  Reading The Boomer Brain book and implementing the Brain Healthy Lifestyle have two entirely different outcomes.  This lifestyle is important to maintaining high cognitive function throughout the later years of our lives.  Look for updates as to when I will roll this program out.

My last learning endeavor was attending a two-day bootcamp for Speakers.  I am really excited about what I learned there.  That is a late this year or next year project, but it is one I am really looking forward to.

 

What Is Happening in April?

The American Society on Aging is having their annual conference in Orlando Florida April 21-24.  This is the largest multidisciplinary conference on aging and the annual conference for Members of ASA.  I have attended a number of these conferences throughout the years, and it is consequential.  Keynote speakers and special events are focused on combating ageism in our society.  Although this is a professional meeting, the attendees come from all aspects of aging services.  They have their work cut out for them this year!

April is Stress Awareness Month.  We should be aware of stress every month and understand how we can break the stress cycle.  These are stressful times, and we need to protect ourselves

Here is a positive one “April is National Volunteer Month”.  When I am working with new retirees who don’t know what to do, I talk to them about volunteering. It is important to have a purpose after you leave the workforce.  There are so many nonprofits who need help in all aspects of their organizations.  It is a perfect way to give back.

Finally – It was Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds – the oldest major league team in the nation.  Cincinnati takes that responsibility seriously.  There is always an Opening Day Parade through downtown to the Ball Park.  Huge crowds line the streets and every year there is talk of making it an official holiday.  Schools and employers look the other way when there is an empty desk.  No matter what the outcome of the game is, there is so much joy, and you can feel that energy.  I am fortunate that I get to experience that.  We all need some joy right now. 

Enjoy your April.

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