Senior Fraud

A campaign aimed at older Americans to keep them from becoming victims of fraud and identity theft

Many legitimate companies and charities solicit consumers by phone and consider it an effective way to raise money or increase company business. Unfortunately, others are simply up to no good. We at the National Crime Prevention Council believe seniors can prevent telemarketing fraud by being educated consumers.

According to the FTC, nearly 25 million Americans are victims of consumer fraud each year. Senior citizens continue to be a rapidly increasing segment of the population, and that makes them a prime target for con artists and thieves. Americans who are 65 or older represent about 13 percent of our country’s population, and their population will only continue to grow as the Baby Boomer generation begins to enter that age range.

Studies have shown that senior citizens are more at risk to be targeted by telemarketing scams than other age groups, and fraudulent telemarketers direct anywhere from 56 to 80 percent of their calls at older Americans. These con artists believe that senior citizens are vulnerable and more susceptible to their tricks.  However, NCPC is helping many seniors to be shrewd and savvy citizens by keeping these tips in mind:

• Offers too good to be true usually are. Ask to receive the “unbelievable deal” or the “amazing
  
  prize offer” in writing so you can read it carefully before making a commitment.
• Never give out your personal information over the phone or Internet unless you have initiated the
  
  contact. Legitimate business callers will never ask you for this information over the phone.
• If a caller asks you to pay for an offer in advance or asks for your credit card number or Social
  
  Security number, tell the person you don’t give out personal information over the telephone.
• Remember that legitimate telemarketers won’t be turned off if you use these techniques. They
  
  will appreciate dealing with an educated consumer. It’s not rude – it’s shrewd!