4 Common Scams Targeting Seniors And How To Avoid Them

By Author: James Pasquinelli
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

1. Medicare or Health Insurance Fraud
Medicare seems to be the most common way for scammers to target seniors and rip them off. As every older adult in the US qualifies for Medicare benefits, scammers use this to their advantage and try to steal money from them. People may come to the doorstep and explain the need for a new Medicare card, or ask seniors about their Social Security number. Seniors should turn away strangers if they ask for their personal information without showing their identity or any validation.
Talking to seniors about finances may frustrate them. If family caregivers are unable to look after their aging loved one 24/7, hire a Orlando in-home caregiver to prevent him or her becoming a victim of fraud or staying safe at home.
2. Funeral and Cemetery Scams
Often notorious funeral homes exploit the grieving families by charging them with high-cost for their funeral services to get more money out of their pockets. Sometimes the funeral homes add extra charges when providing casket or features which are not included later on. It’s better to research first when selecting a funeral home ...
... to reduce the chance of exploitation. Observe whether the funeral homes are including all the services you are paying for.
3. Fake Anti-aging Products
Seniors who watch TV every night may fall for anti-aging products whether they turn out to be effective or not. Anti-aging products might appeal more to seniors who wish to look young and attractive again in the golden years. Seniors may seek out different ways, expensive treatments, drugs, or ointments which are plentiful ways for scammers to target your loved one. To prevent your loved one from wasting money on useless skin products, check his or her finances to check what he or she is buying. Tell your loved one about the harmful effects of using products that are not prescribed by a doctor or recommended by a dermatologist.
4. Homeowner or Reverse Mortgage Scams
Fake contractors often charge seniors extra amount of money for unnecessary work. Contractors may visit the house and suggest seniors their house chimney or roof need repairs, which is often a scam to force seniors on spending thousands of dollars. Make sure your senior loved one does not fall victim to a similar scam and know all about homeowner scammers.
At an older age, seniors may have several issues to manage on a regular basis. Families who are unable to look after their senior loved one should consider help from a professional caregiver who can help him or her with a wide array of tasks. In Orlando, home care services can be of great assistance to family caregivers who want to attend their personal needs, take a nap, run errands, or go on a vacation.