As tax season ramps up, so do the efforts of scam artists looking to steal people’s financial data and money. Such fraudulent activities often target older adults. Whether you’re in this age bracket or worry about senior parents and other relatives, here are seven ways to prevent elder financial abuse:
- Keep both paper and online financial documents in a secure place. Monitor accounts and retain statements.
- Exercise caution when making financial decision. If someone exerts pressure or promises unreasonable high or guaranteed returns, walk away.
- Write checks only to legitimate financial institutions, rather than to a person.
- Be alert for phony phone calls. The IRS doesn’t collect money this way. Another scam involves someone pretending to be a grandchild who’s in trouble and needs money. Don’t provide confidential information or send money until you can verify the caller’s identity.
- Beware of emails requesting personal data – even if they appear to be from a real financial institution. After all, shouldn’t your banker or financial professional already know these things? Ignore contact information provided in the email. Instead, contact the financial institution through a known telephone number.
- As much as possible, maintain a social network. Criminals target isolated people because often they’re less aware of scams and lack trusted confidants.
- Work only with qualified professionals, including accountant, bankers and attorneys.