Senior Living at about.com offers some great tips on how to help yourself avoid falling victim to a scam.
- Avoid Disclosing Personal or Financial Information. Many predators make calls or send an email on behalf of a financial institution. They may say there's a problem with your account or credit card and ask you to verify the account number. If you get a call like this ask for their information so you can call them back. Then, call your financial institution in question with a number you have to ask them if this is accurate.
- Assign a Power of Attorney. This gives a trusted person power to make financial or life decisions for you if you become unable to do so. Unfortunately, many people are taken advantage of when they become disabled.
- Look Out for Medicare Discount Scams. Discounts are offered by a number of legitimate companies, and you can really save some money. But, they are also popular with scam artists. The best way to enroll for a Medicare approved discount card is to contact Medicare directly for a list of approved companies. You can call 800-633-4227, or go to medicare.gov. FYI, Medicare drug discount cards cannot be sold by phone or by door-to-door sales.
- Sign Up For Direct Deposit With Your Bank. This is to avoid mail theft, and having checks mailed to your home. If you receive checks regularly, thief's can get your social security check, stocks, disability payments, etc.
- Ignore Direct Mail Advertising. If something free is being offered, it usually puts you on some sort of list, or signs you up for something else. Always read the fine print, especially if it says you're the winner of a cruise or some large amount of money!
- Reduce Telemarketer Calls. Put yourself on the "do not call" federal registry list. To do so call 888-382-1222.
These are all good tips for us to think about and really put into action.
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