One source of worry for me is the threat of scammers who prey on the elderly.  Some scan the obituaries to look for their victims.  My parents live in a small town where they trust too easily and have not had to worry about security.  So, it’s been a challenge to educate them on the precautions they must learn. 

I’ve been able to teach them that they never, never give out social security, account, or other identification information over the phone no matter whom the caller claims to be or how urgent their plea.  The same holds true for their email.  Companies will never ask for this information in an email.  This scam is called “phishing” and the emails are designed to look very official with companies’ logo, etc.  They usually come with a threat of loss if the information is not provided quickly.

Beware of any request via phone, email, or in person that demands a quick decision!  This should set off alarm bells.

Now in the case where you are calling an insurance company, credit card, bank, or government office you will be asked for identification information and will have to give it to proceed.

I also have had a struggle to get my parents to lock their doors.  Front, back, side, garage, patio, etc.  “We’ve always left them unlocked before!  I hate searching for keys and that lock is so hard to work.”  My solution was to replace the front door knob with an easier one to open.  I also have a copy of that key just in case.  Warn them not to let anyone in to just use the phone.  It is a common ploy to distract them while an accomplice burglarizes the home.  Tip: never hid valuables in the master bedroom, it’s the first room they hit.

If your parents are ever pressured to make a decision (for example by traveling home repair scammers) I’ve told them to use me as an excuse for not making a decision right then and there.  “I have to check with my son first” is their standard reply to such tactics. 

Another source of fraud is their mail.  My parents regularly receive mail urging them to respond immediately for free “Important Social Security Information”.  The cards are made to look like Government Issue but in very small print state “Not affiliated with AARP or any Government Agency”.  It’s usually so small they cannot read it.  This mail usually screams warnings of pending social security loss (many seniors biggest worry) to frighten them into responding.  “Free” usually means they get on a mailing list for more junk mail. 

They also get the “check” inserts with bills or as separate mail that are in truth an agreement for some service with regular charge to credit card.  Always read the fine print on the back of such “checks” before signing.  I shred them all.  I’ve waged a long running battle to cancel one such service for more magazines than my parents would ever read.  See also the article on opting out.

I also ask about their charitable giving.  Too often worthy sounding scam charities prey upon the good nature of seniors.  My parents were suckered into such a donation to an official sounding police charity over the phone.  I checked with police friends and learned it was not supporting them at all.