Seniors are caught in scams and frauds more than most other age groups. Look at this advice to keep yourself safe.

2. • A phone call out of the blue from an extended family member in
need of money because they’re stranded or just got in an accident.
• An email message promising a lump sum of cash.
• A telemarketer from an unknown charity calling to ask for a
donation.
• A smooth-talking investor who claims to have a fool-proof way to
ensure a financially worry-free retirement.

3. These are just a few examples of real scams by hard-to-catch
criminals preying on senior citizens.

4. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
That’s good advice that’s been around a long time.
And you should keep that in mind any time someone asks you
for money, personal information, or promises you a windfall of
money or life-changing investment.

5. People over the age of 60 are scammed out of an
estimated $2.9 billion a year, according to the MetLife
Mature Market Institute.

6. Check out these Top 10 Senior Scams and how to avoid them, published by the
National Council on Aging. And follow these five tips to avoid being a victim of a
scam:
1. Protect your mail. Have your mail sent to a post office
box, or get a locking mailbox installed if your mailed is
delivered at home. If you regularly receive checks in the
mail, arrange for direct deposit to have those funds sent
directly to your bank account.

7. 2. Add your name to the Do Not Call Registry. You’ll
significantly reduce the amount of calls you get from
telemarketers by adding your name to this created by the
Federal Communications Commission. Call 888-382-1222
to register by phone, or go to www.donotcall.gov to register
online.

8. 3. Read the fine print. Anytime an offer for things like a
sweepstakes lottery, vacation package, time share,
membership program, or contest that says you won
something, read the fine print before signing anything or
handing over your credit card number.

9. 4. Beware of Medicare fraud. Medicare fraud costs an
estimated $60 million a year, and many of the scams involve
seniors. If someone is trying to get you to enroll in a
Medicare-approved program going door-to-door, or asking for
personal income information and your bank account number,
it’s probably a scam. If you need help with Medicare, call 800-
633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov.

10. 5. Ask lots of questions and never make a decision on the
spot. Scammers want to scare you into giving up personal
information. When you get a call that seems questionable, ask
for a name and number to return the phone call. Try to find out
how they got your number. Check with your bank, family
members, credit card company, etc. to find out if their request
is legitimate.

11. Follow these guidelines and keep your savings safe!
Information provided by MagicKitchen.com.