Con artists cleverly borrow 'scheme themes' from current events and news headlines to capture their victim's attention. Senior citizens need to be particularly wary since scammers often target the elderly using the following topics:
1. Social Security Benefits – Posing as Social Security employees, these crooks attempt to verify Social Security or bank account numbers. They offer direct deposit, claim a malfunction in your record, or threaten to withhold benefits due to back-owed taxes. Be skeptical if you receive a call or visit from someone claiming to be from the government. Ask for full contact and identification information, then contact the real agency directly to verify their legitimacy. Contact SSA to report fraud.
2. Medicare or Medicaid – Scammers claiming Medicare or Medicaid affiliation may offer free or discounted medications, medical tests and treatments, or other perks in exchange for your confidential Medicare identification number or SSN. Don't share your Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number or card with anyone, except your physician or other Medicare provider. Report Medicare fraud to the Office of the Inspector General: 1-800-447-8477 or HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov.
3. U.S. Census Workers - Legitimate Census Bureau workers and volunteers will ask American households for data and statistics, but will not request donations or collect payments. They will only be verifying consumers' names, ages, addresses and other relevant demographics. If they arrive at your door, they should have: identification, a badge, and a confidentiality notice.
4. Economic stimulus and government grants – Recent economic stimulus packages have caused an outbreak of falsified letters and e-mails, Web sites, and phone calls promising government grant money to those who purchase a starter kit, software or membership program. There is no charge to collect economic stimulus money or apply for a government grant; research local grant programs on federal government Web sites: www.grants.gov, www.govbenefits.gov and www.sba.gov.
5. Grandparent or relative scam – Beware: A con artist may be preying on your emotions, impersonating a distressed family member. A loved one—usually "your favorite grandchild"—calls claiming to be stuck in with an emergency, car accident or false arrest, and needs money wired immediately. Be skeptical about wiring or transferring money without first confirming the situation is genuine. Ask specific personal questions, such as a birth date, family trivia or a favorite shared memory; or contact family members to confirm their whereabouts.
Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington asks consumers to remain proactive by preventing fraud with education. Register for BBB's Scam Jam, a free consumer protection seminar. Attendees will learn tips and tools to avoid online fraud and phishing schemes, door-to-door and telemarketing sales scams, mail fraud, false sweepstakes, counterfeit checks and foreign lotteries:
OREGON:
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 / 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Creekside Village Retirement Residence / 5450 SW Erickson Ave., Beaverton, OR 97005
ALASKA:
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Anchorage Senior Activity Center / 1300 E 19th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
WASHINGTON:
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 / 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Panorama City / 1751 Circle Ln SE, Lacey, WA 98503
RSVP to:
events@thebbb.org.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.