Everything old is new again, and unfortunately that rings true for negative things as well as positive. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and our lives continue to shift, scammers are taking advantage of the situation and putting a new twist on classic cons.
“Scammers have always taken advantage of natural disasters and other tragedies in order to pull at people’s heartstrings or scare them into giving up their hard-earned money,” says Chrissy Ross, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee. “Unfortunately, seniors are usually the targets, because they are less familiar with technology or scamming techniques. These days it can be even harder to avoid or prevent scams because seniors are more secluded due to social distancing efforts.”
It’s important, says Chrissy, for family members to inform themselves of the current scams that are going around and make sure their senior loved ones aren’t being taken advantage of. Here are some (but not all) of the current and most common scams taking place right now:
- According to the FTC, there are an increased number of scams related to test kits, vaccines and air filter systems that supposedly can protect you from or remove COVID-19 from your home.
- Since many supply chains have been disrupted, it’s hard to get a hold of certain items (think of face masks or toilet paper). There has been a rise in unreputable sellers who promise the delivery of some hard-to-get-item, then take your money and run.
- Fake charities always come out of the woodwork during a crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. These scammers call or contact you with legit-sounding names.
- Phishing, malware, spam texts and robocalls are all favorite tools of scammers in the technology age. These scams are set up to gather your bank account or other personal information (such as your social security number).
Helping Keep Seniors Safe
Knowledge is power when it comes to avoiding scams and the heartbreak they can cause. Here are steps you and your loved ones can take to help older adults stay informed, stay knowledgeable and stay safe.
Stay in touch. One of the best ways to keep your senior loved ones safe is by staying in touch with them on a regular basis. Oftentimes, scammers prey on seniors’ loneliness and uncertainty about our current situation. Staying involved in your loved one’s life shows them that you’re there for them, that you care and that you’re keeping them from being isolated and lonely. Being in touch also allows you to notice when something might be “off” (like a rapid increase in junk mail, texts or phone calls, or lots of purchases on their bank statements).
Stay aware of current “hot” scams. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the “popular” scams taking place so you can share the information with your senior loved one. Check out the FTC or google “coronavirus scams” to get a list of specifics that your senior can look out for. Snopes.com is another great site that gathers information about what’s out there, as well as tips for preventing scams and keeping yourself (and your personal information) safe.
Watch for signs of fraud. Pay attention to what your senior loved one is doing, thinking or feeling. If you notice him or her talking about some “miracle” cure or preventative that they’ve just heard about, or if they have a special source for sold-out Lysol wipes, be aware. Ask them questions about their sources and urge caution. This can cause them to be more stubborn and dig their heels in. Remember, kindness is key.
Trust, but verify. Ask your senior loved one to consult with a trusted individual – like you – before they make any large purchase for some “miracle cure” or donate their money to an otherwise unknown charity. Let them know it’s only because you know the dangers of scammers, and you want to make sure they are safe and their hard-earned money stays in their pockets. Remind them that you aren’t trying to control their actions.
Provide information on current scams. Whenever possible, share information about current scams with your senior loved one, and let them know about the different ways scammers work these days. If your loved one isn’t comfortable using the computer (or isn’t very knowledgeable about technology-related hacks), print out news stories and other sources that they can sort through at their leisure. By educating your loved one about the different techniques scammers use, they’ll be better prepared to combat a con man or woman.
Be supportive, never shaming. Unfortunately, even with many precautions, it’s always possible that your loved one (or even yourself) will be scammed. If that happens, he or she will be embarrassed, angry and may not want to talk about it – especially if they’re worried about being shamed by others for “falling” for the scheme. Instead, take the approach of kindness. Be warm and supportive and (most especially) non-judgmental. Remind them that it’s not their fault and that this could happen to anyone. Let them know that you still love them and you’re there to help them through this. Your support will make them more amenable to talking with people who can help, such as law enforcement, lawyers or financial advisors.
“These are scary times, and unfortunately, scammers know that uncertain times can mean higher success rates for their scams,” says Chrissy. “However, by staying alert to the current tactics and helping your senior loved one – and other family members – know the steps they can take to stay safe, you’ll be more protected and able to stand up to scammers if and when they try to contact you.”
Peace of Mind for Cape Cod Seniors and Their Families
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, respects individual preferences and makes a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Dedicated Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee offers compassionate dementia care and unique programs that are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident – throughout every stage of disease progression. Residents can age in place comfortably and with dignity, while families gain peace of mind.
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At Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee, we offer a program of care and services that celebrates life and supports individual strengths. Our compassionate and engaging approach adapts to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment.
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