Scams and Fraud That Target Seniors
Fraud can happen to anyone, but older adults are particularly vulnerable to it. There are several reasons why seniors are targeted more than others. Firstly, they are usually at home during the day, making them more accessible to scammers who may come to their door or call them on the phone. Secondly, seniors are often more trusting and may be more willing to believe that the person on the other end of the line is genuinely trying to help them. Finally, they may not have family members or friends close by to ask for a second opinion, leaving them more susceptible to being taken advantage of. As with all crime prevention and safety, having a good understanding of how to prevent and protect oneself, is key.
Fraud vs Scams, What’s the Difference?
Fraud and scams are two very common and dangerous forms of deception that can have a huge impact on one’s financial well-being. Fraud, in particular, is often carried out by criminals who gain unauthorized access to personal and sensitive information without the victim’s knowledge or consent. This can include stealing credit card numbers, hacking into online accounts, or even stealing physical mail. The goal of fraud is usually to steal money or assets from the victim, often without them even realizing it.
Scams, on the other hand, are often carried out by individuals or groups who are looking to manipulate victims into willingly providing their personal and financial information. These scams can take many different forms, from phishing emails and phone calls to fake websites or even in-person solicitations. Scammers often use psychological manipulation to get their victims to trust them, and they may use various tactics to make it seem like they are legitimate, such as using official looking logos or pretending to be from a trusted organization.
Looking at a Few Examples from the Calgary Police Service
Home Improvement Fraud
Home improvement contractors use several methods of targeting seniors: high pressure phone calls, flyers, advertisements, and door-to-door-sales. Fraudulent contractors can be very effective in making people think their services are needed, and then defrauding their victims.
Before you hire a contractor to do renovations or repairs to your home, do your homework:
• Use a local, well-established contractor. Ask for references and check them.
• Check with Service Alberta to find out if a contractor is licensed as a prepaid contractor. You can find out by calling the Consumer Contact Centre toll free in Alberta at 1-877-427-4088.
• Get competitive bids on all work and be wary of any bids that seem too good to be true. Don’t accept high-pressure offers or offers that force you to make a quick decision.
• Determine exactly what work you want done. Make sure the project is explicitly described in your contract, including materials and labour specifics and dates for estimated start and completion.
• Never say yes to someone who wants money up front before the job is done or wants you to withdraw a large amount of money from your bank.
• Check to see that the work is complete and done correctly before paying.
• Find out when and how payment and/or billing will take place before the work begins.
• The best way to find a home renovations contractor is through other satisfied customers.
Door-to-Door Sale Scams
Older adults are frequent victims of door-to-door scams and high-pressure sales tactics. While some door-to-door salespeople are honest, the chances are high that whoever answers the door is about to be swindled. Con artists often try to encourage older adults to buy unnecessary products or services. They usually appear friendly and sincere in their desire to help. They are successful because they seem so honest.
Avoid door-to-door scams with these tips:
• Never allow anyone you don’t know into your home. It’s easier to close the door on them before they get in than to get them out once they’re inside.
• Don’t buy on impulse. Tell the salesperson you will get back in touch after you have had a chance to carefully read all the materials given to you.
• Ask to see the salesperson’s credentials and identification and request their business card.
• Never give cash up front to a salesperson or rely on verbal promises for delivered goods.
• If you sign a contract, make sure that it is complete, signed, and dated. Get all terms in writing, including the total price, warranties, return policy, and all conditions of sale.
• Ask them to give you the charitable tax number of the charity. Question any discrepancies.
Dead Air Calls
“The phone is ringing but no one is there when I answer.” If this happens to you, your phone may have a technical problem, but you may also be receiving calls from an automatic dialer that logs the time the phone is answered. A telemarketer uses the information to indicate when a person will be at your number to answer the phone.
Service Scams
Service scams are any false, deceptive, or misleading promotion of services or solicitation for services. These scams typically involve third parties that make offers for telecommunications, internet, finance, medical, and energy services. This category of scams may also include, but is not limited to, offers such as extended warranties, insurance, and sales services.
If you or someone you know has become a victim of a crime or fraud, please call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 to report the crime.
You should also consider reporting any scams to:
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/indexeng.html
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police – https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en
Regardless of whether you are dealing with fraud or a scam, the best way to protect yourself is to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your personal information. This can include things like using strong passwords, being cautious about who you share your information with, and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity on your accounts. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can help minimize the risk of falling victim to fraud or a scam. Family members and friends should also be aware of these Elderly Crimes. Talk to the seniors you know to ensure they have not become a victim and keep our Kingsland seniors safe.
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