crime prevention for older adults · tech-support scams, government warns-federal trade commission...
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT DO WE CLASSIFY AS
“OLDER ADULT”?
PERSONS MORE THAN 60
YEARS OF AGE
FACT
Did you know…. one in every 8
Americans is currently 65 or
older (12.8%)? That’s a total of
more than 35 million. By year
2030, the number of senior
citizens in the U.S. is expected
to exceed 64 million (20%).
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
WHY OLDER POPULATIONS?
LOW BIRTH RATE BABY BOOMERS HEALTHCARE…PEOPLE
LIVE LONGER
WHY WORRY?
As we age, our body functions deteriorate and we become less able to defend ourselves or project a confident image, resulting in the perception of being more vulnerable to physical injury if attacked.
Mental acuity may begin to suffer.
We may be less in touch with new innovations and vulnerabilities
The Good News: national surveys indicate that senior citizens are the least victimized age group. However, they are strategically targeted.
WHY ARE OLDER ADULTS TARGETED?
Most rapidly growing
segment of the population in
the U.S
Baby Boomers control over
80% of personal financial
assets and 50% of
discretionary spending power
Q:WHAT IS THE MOST
COMMON CRIME
REPORTED BY OLDER ADULTS?
ANSWER: FRAUD/IDENTITY
THEFT
TELEMARKETING
FRAUD
Telemarketing fraud- defined
as using the telephone in a
scheme to cheat someone out
of their assets by
deceptive/illegal means
Seniors are often targeted-
seniors comprise 12% of pop.,
but 37% of telemarketing fraud
victims
Example: “IRS” Scheme,
“Credit Card Company”
calling for card#
HOW TO DISCOURAGE
TELEMARKETERS
1. NEVER GIVE PERSON INFO OVER THE PHONE UNLESS YOU INITIATED THE CALL AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE PERSON/AGENCY RECEIVING CALL.
2. IF CALLER TELLS YOU HE/SHE WANTS TO GIVE YOU SOMETHING FOR FREE, THEN YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO RECEIVE IT.
3. SO- CALLED LIMITED OFFERS SHOULD NOT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE DECISION.
4. ASK TELEMARKETER TO MAIL YOU THE INFO SO YOU CAN READ IT CAREFULLY
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
AARP ARTICLE: AMERICANS 60+ ARE VULNERABLE TO
TECH-SUPPORT SCAMS, GOVERNMENT WARNS-
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION SAYS THEY'RE ALSO LESS
APT TO REPORT LOSING MONEY: VIDEO
SKIBA, KATHERINE. AARP, OCTOBER 24, 2019
AFFINITY
FRAUD
AFFINITY FRAUD- INVESTMENT SCAMS THAT PREY
UPON MEMBERS OF INDENTIFIABLE GROUPS, EX:
RELIGIOUS, ETHNIC, OLDER ADULTS, PROFESSIONAL
GROUPS
PONZI OR PYRAMID SCHEMES- NEW INVESTOR,
MONEY IS USED TO MAKE PAYMENTS TO EARLIER
INVESTORS TO GIVE FALSE ILLUSION THAT THE
INVESTMENT IS SUCCESSFUL
What is Affinity Fraud?
PBS Affinity Fraud Story
https://www.securitieslawyersblog.com/files/2014/05/shutterstock_100492018.jpg
REPAIR FRAUD
& DOOR-TO-
DOOR
SALESMAN
DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESMEN MAY PREY UPON
VULNERABILITIES OF SENIOR CITIZENS TO SELL
THEM UNNEEDED, UNWARANTED, UNDELIVERED
SERVICES
Driveway Scam Repair Scam (Rudy)
EX: ROOF REPAIR, INSULATION, TREE TRIMMING, FURNACE INSPECTION,
DRIVEWAY REPAIR, PLUMBING, GUTTERS,
MAGAZINES, HEALTHCARE
TIP OFFS TO RIP OFFS
“ I WAS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD”
“ I NEED CASH UP FRONT FOR AT LEAST A LARGE
DEPOSIT
“ I CAN HELP YOU FINANCE THE PROJECT”
“ WE HAVE SPECIAL LIMITED-TIME OFFER”
“ I HAVE LEFTOVER MATERIALS FROM ANOTHER JOB”
SAFETY TIPS WHILE AT HOME
At home- keep doors locked, install deadbolts,
install peephole on door, keep home well-lit
inside and outside at night, close curtains
Ask for ID/business cards from delivery
drivers/strangers- don’t worry about asking, if
they are legitimate, they won’t mind
If a stranger asks to use your phone, place the
call for them, never allow them to enter your
home
SAFETY TIPS WHILE AT HOME (CONTINUED)
Do not hide keys under the mat or leave
notes on your door when you are not
home
Never give info that you are alone over
the phone or that you will be away from
home until a certain time.
If away from home, make sure your home
appears occupied-Ex: turn on TV/radio,
auto timers for lights
SAFETY TIPS-AWAY FROM HOME
Bags/Purses- carry close to your body, no visible
bags in vehicles, do not leave in shopping cart
Limit amount of $$$ you carry, CC/Debit are
accepted at most stores
Avoid walking at night while alone-Buddy System
recommended in high risk areas, day and night
If you carry a weapon-ensure you practice
frequently and often; keep in mind that if you
carry a weapon, you risk it being taken from you
SAFETY TIPS- AWAY FROM HOME (CONTINUED)
Never withdraw money for anyone else but
YOU- Beware of con artists, pyramid
schemes, and get-rich schemes
Paychecks/Gov. Checks- have them directly
deposited into your account, not mailed.
SAFETY TIPS- IN THE CAR
Keep a full tank of gas
Maintain your vehicle-oil changes, periodic
maintenance checks, etc.
Always lock the doors, roll up the windows,
whether you are in or out of the vehicle
Keep vehicle clean and with nothing visible-
secure items in trunk, never leave
bags/purses visible in the vehicle
WHAT DO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM?
At home- do not enter your home if you suspect you have been burglarized- Call 911 from a safe location
If attacked- Yell “No, Get back!!” as loud as you can, you want people up the street and next street down to hear you
Report any con artists to local PD- cons rely on victim’s reluctance to report because they have duped the victims/embarrassed them; they will victimize others; if not reported, you will lose chance to seek restitution
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS