Aging Connection: August 2007 - Ohio Department of Aging

Aging Connection

August 2007

Break Through Scams' Wall of Secrecy and Shame To Help Victims

It's not easy to identify when someone has fallen victim to a scam. Scam artists are experts at establishing rapport and casting themselves as someone "who's on your side." Often, they convince their prey to keep details of the "deal" secret, even from friends or family members.

Similarly, individuals who have fallen victim to a scam may be too embarrassed to seek help, or may think they can fix things on their own. As a result, it's often hard to determine if clients, friends or relatives may be victims of a scam.

Nine Signs of Common Scams

The offer claims that you've won a prize, but you must pay a fee to claim it.
The caller insists that you must pay immediately to get the promised price.
The salesperson claims there is not enough time to put the offer in writing.
The offer promises sizable returns with minimal risk.
The caller requests a donation, but won't disclose how the money will be used or the specific charity that would benefit.
The caller offers a chance to "repair" your credit in exchange for an up-front fee.
The caller offers to recoup money you've lost in another fraudulent scheme.

Some obvious signs include being suddenly very secretive about mail or phone calls, or unexpectedly unable to buy food or pay bills. But other signs may be less evident and include:

Frequent calls during your visits from folks offering money-making opportunities or seeking charitable donations;
Lots of new, cheap stuff lying around - look for items like watches, pens and pencils, small appliances, water filters and beauty products, all of which often flow from "order to win" or "receive a valuable prize" offers;
Payments to unfamiliar entities or irregular withdrawals such as checks or wire transfers, often for increasing amounts of money to out-of-state or unfamiliar companies; and
New subscriptions to magazines they don't need or haven't received previously.

Addressing concerns that a loved one or someone you serve may be a victim of a scam can be difficult. Pride, shame and fear of losing independence may cause the individual to be defensive or resistant to help. However, it is a serious situation that needs to be addressed as soon as possible to minimize the damage it can cause.

Most importantly, don't blame the person for being foolish. Scam artists are good at what they do. Even the most savvy person can fall for an elaborate scheme. Show empathy with your loved ones and let them know they're not alone. Consumers of all education and economic backgrounds lose $40 billion a year to telemarketing scams alone.

Underscore the criminal nature of scams and the consequences they create. Scam artists succeed by establishing rapport and empathy with their victims. The more the individual understands the harm that comes from the relationship, the more likely he or she will recognize the risk. Help the person report the scam to local authorities or through the National Fraud Information Hotline (1-800-876-7060).

Even if you don't suspect a scam, you can still help others prevent becoming a victim in the first place. Offer to help sign up for "do not solicit" lists and discuss ways to react to potential scams, such as hanging up or refusing a door-to-door sales visit.

Visit Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann's Consumer Protection Web site for more information on steps all Ohio consumers can take to prevent and deal with fraudulent business practices.

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