Fraud Targeted Towards Seniors

In-Home Care & Living Assistance

Alan Fisher Bio• Alan Fisher is President and owner of INDECARE, which

was founded in 2006. INDECARE provides non-medical in home care to aging adults with the goal of allowing them to remain independent in their own homes. INDECARE has provided quality, thoughtful, and caring support to over 300 families. In addition, Alan believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them.

• In late 2006 Alan reflected on a personal experience of inadequate home care options for his mother when she became ill with cancer. Alan chased his dream of building his own company that would make a significant difference, providing a much needed service in his own local community.

• Alan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis and resides in Sacramento with his wife and three children.

In-Home Care & Living Assistance

INDECARE Provides:• Caring companionship• Bathing assistance• Dressing assistance• Meal preparation• Medication reminders• Mobility assistance• Light housekeeping• Laundry assistance• Transportation/errands• Appropriate activities• Hourly to Live-In Care

Our Caregivers:• Carefully selected• Screened• Supervised• Insured and bonded• Trained and mentored on all aspects of caregiving including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Diabetes and other challenges

For more information:Call Alan Fisher at (916) 973-1264

Visit our website www.indecareathome.com

INDECARE In-Home Care

is a proud member of …

Objectives

• Why senior’s are likely targets of fraud

• Types of frauds and scams

• How to protect yourself

• Helpful resources

Why Senior’s Are Likely Targets of Fraud

• Often have a “nest egg”, own their own home, have excellent credit, and are perceived as open and trusting.

• Seniors grew up in a time when business was based on a handshake and trust

• Older people are quicker to believe promises and slower to take action to protect legal rights

• Many seniors live alone and are susceptible to “friendly” callers

Statistics

• 25+ million Americans were victims of fraud last year

• Seniors aged 60 and older account for approximately 15% of the population

• According to some estimates, seniors comprise 30% of consumer fraud victims

• The majority of fraudulent telemarketing calls, 50-80%, are directed at seniors

Different Types of Fraud

Telemarketing• Calls asking for money or

personal/financial information in return for “free gifts, vacations, prizes, etc.

Warning Signs of Telemarketing Fraud are:

• You must act now• You’ve won a prize but have to pay

for handling and postage• You can’t afford to miss this high

profit, no risk offer• You are one of a chosen few to

receive this offer

Actions To Take

• DO NOT reveal your social security/medicare number to strangers

• DO NOT reveal your financial information

• For elderly widows, do not indicate that you live alone

• DO NOT hesitate to hang up on suspicious callers

Different Types of Fraud

Home Improvement/Door to Door Sales• Typically high pressure tactics to coerce

seniors into buying unnecessary products or to distract the senior so they can steal from the home

Actions To Take

• Never allow anyone you don’t know in your home

• Don’t buy on impulse. Tell the salesperson you will get back with them after reviewing the materials

• Never give cash up front or rely on verbal promises for delivered goods

Actions To Take

• You have a right to cancel a contract for a full refund until midnight of the 3rd day after the sale, provided you have a signed contract

• If you sign a contract, make sure that it is complete, signed, and dated. Get all terms in writing, including total price, warranties, return policy, and all conditions of the sale

Different Types of Fraud

Investment Everyone would like to see their investments

grow faster. Criminals will tempt you with phony investments and promises of unusually high returns

• Nigerian letters or “419” – email requests to provide your bank information to help share in a large pot of money

• Ponzi Scheme

Ponzi Scheme

• A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors rather than from any actual profit earned. The Ponzi scheme usually offers returns that other investments cannot guarantee in order to entice new investors, in the form of short-term returns that are either abnormally high or unusually consistent. The perpetuation of the returns that a Ponzi scheme advertises and pays requires an ever-increasing flow of money from investors in order to keep the scheme going.

Different Types of Fraud

Sweepstakes and Lotteries• You’re told you’ve won. You’re asked

to pay for processing, taxes, delivery, or provide a bank account number to verify your identity

• If you often respond to sweepstakes or contests, your name might be added to lists sold to fraudsters

Different Types of Fraud

Phishing – Authentic looking emails and internet pages, with request to reset password or provide personal information

Sweetheart Swindle – An older person befriended by a younger person

Newly Introduced Scams

Check Washing – Mailed checks are intercepted and washed clean (except signature area) and re-written

Loved One Involved in Accident – Requesting money on behalf of a loved one who is involved in accident

How to Protect Yourself • Be wary of anything that requires immediate action• If it is too good to be true, it is• Don’t be a “courtesy victim”. Say NO• Check credentials and references• If purchasing on-line or over phone, use credit card versus

debit card (visa)• Use Gel Pens for writing checks or legal documents• Never give out personal information over the phone and

only purchase on-line from reputable, well known vendors

Resource Guide 1. Federal Trade Commission

www.ftc.gov or 877-382-4357

2. Better Business Bureauwww.bbb.org or 916-443-6843

3. The National Fraud Information Center www.fraud.org or 202-835-3323

4. American Assoc. of Retired Personswww.aarp.org or 916-448-3615

5. CA Dept. of Corporationswww.corp.ca.gov or 866-275-2677

Questions?

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR REFERRAL SUPPORT

Contact Alan Fisher, INDECARE In-Home Care

Visit website at www.indecareathome.com

(916) 973-1264