3. "Phishing” schemes

This is where a senior receives a call from someone claming to represent a bank or other reputable financial institution. The senior is warned that personal financial or credit card information has been compromised, so he or she is then asked to verify a bank account number—or to call an 800 number, where this individual is asked for personal financial information.

4. Internet fraud

A senior who is unfamiliar with use of the Internet can unwittingly give a credit card number to a scammer.

5. Identity theft

A senior who gives up birthdate and Social Security number to a stranger can open up his or her entire personal financial history to a thief. So, what can you do? Well, awareness of these schemes is a good first step. As always, any suspicions should be reported to the authorities. Home Instead will work with families to ensure our clients remain safe from these types of crimes. If you suspect our client may be a target please call our office for support. Make sure you or your loved one has help with their finances if they need it and that they are practicing safe habits such as destroying information that could be compromised, like credit card offers. And because scammers target seniors who are alone or appear lonely, just knowing that a senior has someone to look out for him or her can be a deterrent.

At Home Instead Senior Care we pride ourselves on providing quality care, which includes watching out for clients and keeping them safe from such crimes.

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