How to Safeguard Older Adults: Key Factors and Security Measures Against Scams

It seems everyday I read something in the news about people being scammed.  Just last week in our local paper, I read about a gentleman that was scammed out of $650,000 - his life’s savings.  Each time I read one of these news articles, it infuriates me.  And it’s so easy at times to fall for what scammers are wanting you to believe in order to get access to what you have worked so hard for.  I’ve actually fallen for some myself and caught myself a few times before becoming prey to others.

As we turn more and more to digital, scams have become a widespread issue, targeting the most vulnerable - particularly older adults.  Many older adults may not be as familiar with the latest technology, making them prime targets for scammers.  

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has reported that from January 1 to September 30 of this year, 115 Manitobans lost $6.3 million in investment scams.  That compares to $3.5 million by 92 victims in 2023. In the first nine months of this year, 599 Manitobans were defrauded of more than $36.3 million through various scams.  In 2023, 651 Manitobans were bilked out of more than $8.8 million in total. (Winnipeg Free Press)

Understanding the Types of Scams

Awareness of different scams is the first step in prevention. Here are some common types targeting older adults:

• Identity Theft - Identity theft occurs when a con artist steals personal information from someone so they can pretend to be that person and then do things like apply for a credit card, take out a loan or a mortgage, get a cell phone or withdraw bank funds.  The con artist will try to get information such as a bank card number and personal identity number (PIN), credit card number, health card number, driver’s license and Social Insurance Number (SIN).  Sometimes they will steal or copy the documents; sometimes all they need is the information.

  How to Avoid It: If your wallet is lost or stolen, or mail you are expecting goes missing, you should report it right away to your bank or credit union.  A bank, credit union or credit card company will never ask for this information via email, text or phone.  Contact your financial institution if you suspect something is not right. Never give out your SIN, bank information or credit card information to anyone that you don’t know or haven’t called.

  
  

• Imposter Scams - Imposter scams involve fraudsters pretending to be someone they’re not.  For example, government officials, a family member or even a tech support agent.  The scammer often uses fear or urgency to get the victim to act quickly.  The scammer, for example, might claim that a grandchild is in trouble and needs money immediately.

  How to Avoid It: Never provide personal information or send money without verifying the identity of the person.  Call the family member or agency directly using a known number.

  
  

• Utility Company Scams - Utility companies like cell phone companies, hydro, cable, etc. do not refund your money via e-transfer.  They will reduce the amount on your next bill.

  How to Avoid It: Never provide any banking information to a utility company for a refund. If the utility company has called you with regards to an error on your bill and requesting your banking information, call the utility company and confirm what has happened and verify that they will be providing you a credit for their error.

  
  

• Tech Support Scams - In this type of scam, the victim receives a phone call or pop-up message claiming that their computer has a virus.  The scammer offers to fix the issue but actually installs malware, steals personal information, or demands payment for unnecessary services.

  How to Avoid It: Legitimate tech companies don’t make unsolicited calls or send pop-ups to offer support. Never give remote access to your computer unless you’ve contacted the company yourself and know that it is actually the company.

  
  

• Sales Scams - When selling something on the internet through places like Marketplace or Kijiji, scammers will try to pay in advance via e-transfer.  They will use a fake bank app in which you will be asked to enter your account information and password.

  How to Avoid It: Never provide any banking information. When the buyer picks up the items from a location other than your home, they can pay cash.  Also, use a location like a police station or local coffee shop to meet.

  
  

• Charity Scams - Scammers often take advantage of people’s goodwill, especially after natural disasters or during the holiday season.  They create fake charities or pose as a legitimate organization to solicit donations. One of the biggest scams right now is requesting you purchase a gift card such as Amazon or iTunes and then give them the number on the back of the card through email, text or over the phone.

  How to Avoid It: Before donating, research the charity.  Websites like CharityNavigator or the Better Business Bureau can help verify if the charity is legitimate. Also, gift cards are not legitimate forms of payment and a red flag that you are being scammed.

  
  

• Prize or Lottery Scams - Victims receive a call, email or letter stating they have won a large sum of money but need to pay fees or taxes upfront before claiming the prize. Once the fees are paid, the scammers disappear.

  How to Avoid It: Remember, if you didn’t enter a lottery or contest, you didn’t win. Legitimate lotteries do not require payment upfront for claiming prizes.

  
  

How Scammers Target Older Adults

Scammers target older adults for several reasons:

Lack of familiarity with technology: Some older adults may not be aware of the latest scams or how to secure their online accounts.

Trusting nature: Many older adults grew up in a time when trust was more common in personal and financial interactions.

Social isolation: Scammers may exploit loneliness, building trust with the victim over time before requesting money or personal information.

Steps to Protect Older Adults from Scams

Stay educated and Informed - Education is the first line of defense.  Discuss common scams with your loved ones regularly and encourage them to ask questions if something seems suspicious. Attend local workshops or webinars focused on scam awareness.

Secure Financial Information - Help older adults set up alerts for their bank accounts and credit cards to monitor suspicious activity. Encourage them to regularly review their financial statements for unfamiliar transactions.

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls - Fraudsters often use phone calls to catch their victims off-guard. Remind older adults to be cautious of these calls, emails or texts, and never give out personal or financial information over the phone.

Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication - Ensure accounts are protected by strong passwords and two-factor authentication. This extra layer of security can prevent unauthorized access even if the scammer obtains login credentials.

Register for the Do Not Call List - Scammers often obtain contact details through telemarketing. You can reduce the number of unsolicited calls by registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.  https://lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/en  Note: Registered charities, political parties and newspapers have exemptions under the National DNCL and can still call you, as can companies conducting surveys or market research.

Encourage Open Communication - Older adults should feel comfortable discussing any suspicious emails, phone calls or letters they receive with a trusted friend, family member or caregiver. Creating an open environment can help prevent them from falling for scams.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you suspect you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, it’s important to act on it right away:

Report it: Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to stop any unauthorized transactions. You can also file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or the police.

Freeze your credit: If your personal information has been compromised, freezing your credit can prevent further fraudulent activity.

Educate others: Sharing your experience can help prevent future scams from happening to others.

By staying informed and cautious, we can all help our loved ones and us from the growing threat of fraud.

Final Thoughts

Guarding older adults against scams requires a collaborative effort involving education, communication, and community involvement. By sharing knowledge about common scams, promoting open discussion, using technology wisely, and implementing solid safety measures, we can drastically reduce their chances of being victimized.

As family members or caregivers, our proactive collaboration fosters a safer environment for older adults. Let us prioritize building resilience against scams by empowering our loved ones with the guidance needed to navigate a complex world. The more informed they are, the better equipped they will be to withstand deceitful tactics. Together, we can create a supportive community that champions the safety and security of our seniors.