We’ve all heard the stories of scammers and how they’ve taken advantage of people, and unfortunately, their target demographic is typically the elderly. There are many reasons for them doing this, and none are good. It could be because someone older may not have as much awareness of how to spot a scam. It could be because older generations may not be as proficient with technology, making it easier for scammers to provide step-by-step instructions on “pay a bill” or “pay back money owed”. It may also be because seniors can get overwhelmed, so when a person calls them and tells them they’ll go to jail if they don’t pay a sum right now, it can be a lot to handle. There are ways of preventing your loved ones from being scammed, and here are just a few of those ways.
Open Communication: Although it can be challenging, discussing with your loved one the dangers of scammers and what they can do to protect themselves is essential. Explaining that unknown numbers are typically better left to go to voice mail, that no legitimate institution will ever ask that you pay them back with gift cards and that keeping their personal information private will help to keep them safe. It’s also a good idea to encourage your loved one to contact either yourself or a trusted contact if they ever find themselves wondering if they’re going to be scammed or not.
Be Sociable: Make sure your loved one is spending time with others. This way, there is a higher likelihood that they’ll mention any strange phone calls or emails they receive, and there’s a better chance that someone can point out any problems that may arise from them.
Prevention Measures: The best way to stop a scam is to prevent it from even starting. A good start would be putting your loved ones’ phone number on Canada’s National Do Not Call List; that way, if they receive a phone call that they don’t recognise the number, they’ll know it’s a safe bet to hang up the call or let it go to voicemail. Also, it’s a smart idea to look at the news and see if any scams have been taking place in the area, and if so, take the time to call your loved ones and make sure they know about the uptick in scams and remind them to be careful.
Watch/Discuss Their Financials: Money may not be the easiest topic of discussion, but it doesn’t hurt to inquire with your loved ones about their financials. It could be an excellent way to learn if they are/have been scammed. Another method is to have your loved one’s bank send notifications if there has been any unusual activity or large withdrawals.
These are some of the ways that you can help to keep your loved one safe from fraud. Having a support system in place makes life easier for everyone, and here at Royalty Care, we can provide that support you need. Call us today to set up your FREE no-obligation consultation at (705)-725-1600, so we can start helping you today!