Protect Your Finances

Financial fraud and abuse along with identity theft are among the most frequent types of abuse and exploitation of older adults.

 

The best action, of course is to take preventative steps which prevent anyone other than yourself or an appointed, trusted person from having access to your accounts.

Other preventative steps include:

• Keep records of your credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers secure.
• Don’t talk to telemarketers – hang up.
• Don’t return any phone calls which promise trips or money as prizes. You may be calling a long distance number for which you’ll only be receiving a large phone bill.
• If someone comes to your door and you don’t feel that person is representing a legitimate charity, contact the police department.
• Add antivirus, firewall and spyware protection to your computer.
• Beware of signing up for “prize” trips – you may find that there are very high costs tagged onto your “free” trip such as deposits, processing fees, port fees and excessive fees for a multitude of worthless (or phony) services.
• Be cautious of emails as the source for the email may be a fraudulent billing service. Be especially cautious of providing passwords, account numbers or Social Security numbers.

Here in Massachusetts, there are 22 regional agencies are responsible for investigating report of elder abuse.  Approximately, a total of 180 case workers investigate these complaints.

If you believe you or someone you know has been subjected to financial abuse or fraud, phone the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800 – 922 – 2275.