Residents of the Independent Living and Assisted Living Facility learned about how to avoid fraud through scams and other crimes
Commissioner Cook Gave Out Laminated Senior Fraud Prevention Placemats As Shown In Photos
Between 2010 and 2017, Texas experienced the largest senior population increase nationwide, both in number and percentage change, with an addition of 3.1 million seniors—up 12.6 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Williamson County saw an even more dramatic increase in the senior population between 2010 and 2016, with a gain of 24,405 people, or a 65 percent increase in the number of people at or above the age of 65, according to the census.
In 2017, it was reported that older Americans lose $36.5B each year to financial scams and abuse, and this number continues to rise.
Financial scams and abuse are done through numerous ways. This is not an exhaustive list:
Telemarketing scams “You’ve won a ‘free’ gift, vacation, or prize.” But you have to pay for “postage and handling” or other charges. Or “You must act now.”
IRS scams “There was a problem with your taxes, and you still owe. Pay now or police will come to your door.” Frequently, these calls look like they are coming from inside the United States. In fact, they are large foreign operations trying to steal your money. The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.
A family member is in jail A person posing as a grandchild says that they are in jail and need bond money.
When a scammer uses fraudulent emails or texts, or copycat websites to get you to share valuable personal information – such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords. Scammers also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network then they install programs like ransomware that can lock you out of important files on your computer. Phishing scammers lure their targets into a false sense of security by spoofing the familiar, trusted logos of established, legitimate companies. Or they pretend to be a friend or family member.
Unfortunately, The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that 90 percent of the perpetrators are family members or people the victims know well, such as neighbors, friends or caregivers.
We have brought 4 organizations that will give you important information and tips on what you should do to ensure you are not a victim of fraud and what to do if you do become