Fraud against older people is becoming more and more common and requires particular caution.
Criminals often target older people because they may be more vulnerable and less experienced in dealing with fraudsters.
One common type of scam targeting older people is financial fraud. Fraudsters may offer their services to manage older people's finances, promising high returns and large sums of money. In reality, however, they are just scammers and if an older person gives them access to their finances, they can steal all their money.
Another common type of scam is the ‘large sum of money’ scam. Fraudsters may call or write to an older person claiming that they have won a large sum of money but have to pay a small fee or give their financial information to get it. Of course, there is no ‘large sum of money’, and if an older person gives their information or sends money, it will simply disappear.
To avoid fraud against older people, it is important to follow these recommendations:
- Never trust unknown people or companies with your money or financial information.
- Be especially cautious of offers to manage your finances or promises of a ‘large sum of money’.
- If you are presented with offers or claims that sound too good to be true, contact a trusted person to discuss the situation.
- Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or online if you are unsure about the reliability of the person you are talking to.
- Contact social services or consumer protection organisations for further information and support.
Adhering to these precautions will help older people avoid fraud and keep their money and property safe.
