FRAUDS AND SCAMS TARGETED TO SENIORS

People who commit frauds and scams often target older adults. Frauds and scams can be perpetuated by mail, telephone, or e-mail.

COMMON TYPES OF FRAUDS AND SCAMS
Common types of frauds and scams used to take money from seniors include claims that the intended victim has won a lottery (but needs to send a fee to claim the winnings); get-rich-quick “investment opportunities” that require immediate funds; and claims that the victim is owed money by the government, but their bank account identification information needs to be checked first. U.S. Postal Inspectors warn older Americans against phony investment schemes by offering the following tips:

• Never rush into an investment offer that promises “high-profit, but low risk”
• Get all information in writing before considering any investment
• Check on investment companies by contacting the Better Business Bureau, the Attorney General’s office or the state consumer protection agency.

Further information and publications on consumer fraud can be found at the United States Postal Inspection Service’s website:https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/investigations/MailFraud/fraudschemes/SeniorFraud.aspx

HOW TO HELP PROTECT SENIORS FROM BECOMING FRAUD VICTIMS
Friends and family members of older adults can help protect them from becoming victims of frauds. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following tips for giving advice to older friends or relatives:

• Never give out bank account or credit card information to callers you don’t know
• Never hire someone for a job who just appears at your residence
• Never pay a fee to win a prize or sweepstakes
• Contact BBB if you receive questionable calls and before you respond to charities or product offers, or sign any papers

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
Further information on senior fraud can be found at the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut’s website: http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=541

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL - SENIOR FRAUD HOTLINE
The State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Unit runs a Senior Fraud Hotline. Retired volunteers offer help to older Connecticut residents in providing consumer information on frauds and helping seek restitution for funds lost to fraudulent schemes. The Consumer Assistance Unit can be contacted at (860) 808-5420.

DEPT. OF SOCIAL SERVICES - AGING SERVICES DIVISION
The Connecticut Department of Social Services posts recent examples of frauds and scams reported to the Aging Services Division on the DSS website: www.ct.gov/agingservices/cwp/view.asp?a=2513&q=395058

TO FIND SERVICES IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by Provider Name: Better Business Bureau of Connecticut
by Service Name: Fraud Prevention
or by Program Names:
Consumer Assistance Unit/Senior Fraud Hotline
Mail Fraud

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SOURCES: 2-1-1 database; Better Business Bureau of Connecticut. website; Social Services, State of Connecticut. - Aging Services Division website: United States Postal Inspection Service website
PREPARED BY: 211/pt
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: September2012