Beware of these Scams that Target the Elderly

Scams that target the elderly never seem to end. With the notice and attention that isgiven to cybersecurity and crimes such as identity theft, it is important to understand that “conventional” andlower-tech scams are still prevalent–particularly regarding senior citizens in central Ill and across thecountry. At Koester & Bradley, LLP, we do our best to monitor all potentialthreats to our clients and community as Illinois personal injury and fraud lawyers.Here aresome more scams that target senior citizens. Let us know if you are aware of any others to add to the list.

Fake Anti-Aging Products
Elderly people, especially women, often feel a need to lookyounger. This is a result of social and peer pressure. Scammers target seniors with fake or low-quality anti-agingproducts. They may not work, may be overpriced, or may have hidden fees — for example, they may offer a one-monthdiscount option without disclosing that they will be charged exorbitant fees for monthly deliveries afterthat. Many of these drugs are actually harmful and dangerous products.

Fake Prescription Drugs
Similar to fakeanti-aging products. These fake prescription drugs are cheap, and can often be found on the internet. They may costless, but they may not work and may even be dangerous. There are many drugs and devices that are actuallyprescribed by doctors that are also dangerous to seniors in Illinois such as Xarelto and Pradaxa, so it is wise to avoid subjecting yourselfor a loved one to any drug not discussed with a healthcare professional.

GrandchildScam
The grandchild scam involves someone telephoning a caring grandparent and pretending to be abeloved grandchild. They can find out the names of their grandchildren from social media. During the phone call,they’ll use low-quality audio to conceal their voice, and they will cry about how they are in trouble or in debt andneed money to bail themselves out. They’ll often say that they can not call their “parents” because their “parents”will be angry at them.
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Other Scams
Elderly people who live alone are especiallyvulnerable to all kinds of phone, mail and cyber scams, such as fake charity scams, fake lottery tickets, fakeantivirus companies and so on. Make sure to warn your loved one about these common scams.