By Luann Sommers, Forks Senior Center Director
I think most of us feel like a “sitting duck” at some point or other. These days with phone scams and emails, it sometimes feels like everyone is out to steal your personal information and/or money. CareWell Services Southwest is here to help! Together with the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, CareWell just released an updated booklet to help educate older adults about scams, fraud, and on-line security so we can stop feeling like sitting ducks!
In the US, one in ten adults will fall victim to a scam or fraud every year. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing almost $8.8 billion to scams and fraud in 2022. The rising cost of these crimes is staggering. The sad part of this is that low-income seniors are targeted and once scammed out of their money they are unable to pay for medications, rent and other necessary items. Many do not even report it because they feel embarrassed. People with dementia or other health issues are even more at risk.
The Sitting Duck resource includes information about red flags, or warning signs, that something might be a scam. Additional resources from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC.gov) and the Department of Justice (justice.gov) are also included. Online security, identity theft, password safety, and how to report elder abuse are included.
Stay safe. Be vigilant and arm yourself with information on protecting your identity and finances Never give out your Medicare number or other personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. It is always ok to end a call if you’re unsure. Anyone asking you to wire money or purchase cash cards should be a red flag that something might be a scam.
If you would like to learn more about protecting yourself, Sitting Duck booklets are available at the Kool Family Community Center in Battle Creek, Heritage Commons Senior Center in Marshall, and the Forks Senior Center in Albion.
