With modern advances comes those taking advantage of the resources. As a result, studies and reports have shown that fraud has become a rapidly increasing problem. Sadly, seniors are often the target. 

Why should Senior Citizens be concerned?

Through investigation and research, the FBI and several police agencies have developed a list as to why seniors are typically targeted.

1) Older citizens are most likely to have a “nest egg,” own their home and/or have excellent credit, all of which a fraudster will try to get their hands on.

2) The elderly are less likely to report a fraud because they are unsure of who to report it to, are too ashamed to having been scammed, or aren’t necessarily aware a scam has occurred. Protecting yourself is nothing to be ashamed of. IMMEDIATELY report all “out of the norm” activity to either the authorities or a loved one.

3) When a victim does not report a crime, they often make poor witnesses. The fraudster knows the effects of age on memory and he/she is counting on the fact that the elderly victim will not be able to supply enough detailed information to investigators. Always keep a tracking of any phone calls, letters/notes or visits from any suspicious individuals. One’s realization that they have been victimized could take weeks or even months after contact with the con-man. The extended time frame will test the memory of just about anyone.

4) Finally, when it comes to products that promise increased cognitive function, virility, anti-cancer properties and so on, older Americans make up the majority of the population most concerned with these issues. In a country where new cures for old diseases now give us hope for a long and fruitful life, it is not so unbelievable that the products and promises presented by these con-men can do what they say they can do.

Most Common Types of Fraud:
Telemarketing

Health Insurance

Counterfeit Prescription Drugs

Anti-Aging Products

Internet and Investment Schemes

Top Ten Tips for Avoiding Fraud:

10.) Before you consider prepaying, make sure you are well informed.

9.) Require all proposed plans and purchases to be in writing… but remember, just because it is in writing, does not necessarily make it true.

8.) Involve a trusted family member or friend in financial decision making.

7.) Remember that legitimate companies will not pressure you to make a snap decision. If you feel as though you are being “pushed’, evacuate the situation.

6.) An offer you don’t understand thoroughly is not one to which you should respond. Read the fine print and ask questions.

5.) Do your research. In this day and age, there are a countless number of avenues to take in order to check on the legitimacy of a particular company, offer or product; starting with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and FBI websites or hotlines.

4.) Be wary of those doing business door-to-door or telephone salespeople, specifically one who tells you they are selling medical equipment. 

3.) Avoid prepayment options if at all possible.
2.) Take your time in all purchase decision making.

1.) NEVER give any personal information to anyone over the phone. ALWAYS request a call back number and if they state they are unable to provide one, immediately hang up.

For more information please visit http://www.fbi.gov/ and search “fraud”. To report a fraud or suspicious activity, contact your local authorites or  http://www.fraud.org/

Do you wonder why your Senior loved one doesn’t have the appetite they once had? Do they seem to have lost weight recently for no reason?  Well, the answer may be right under THEIR nose!

As you may have already guessed, most Seniors find they cannot enjoy the aroma of their favorite foods any longer.  It is surprising to learn that almost 1/3 of Americans aged 70-80 have a diminished sense of smell (anosmia).  A reduces sense of smell makes food bland and tasteless, and leads to a loss of appetite, weight loss, poor diet, and inadequate energy consumption.  Smell makes up 80% of the ‘taste’ of food.  Without the sense of smell, food is boring! Be forewarned that your loved one might have a tendency to over-salt their food, which can contribute to high blood pressure or other health problems.

Smells also warn of various dangerous situations. A natural gas leak in your Senior’s home can build to disaster if not detected.  Smoke will build into a major fire if gone unnoticed.  And spoiled food may be ingested if their foul odor is missed.

To some degree, losing one’s sense of smell is part of the natural aging process.  Olfactory cells begin to be replaced more slowly, or not at all.  Certain medications reduce the sense of smell in the elderly, as well as diseases such as Alzeimer’s, Parkinson’s, and certain endocrine disorders.

So take some extra precautions with your Senior.  Start by installing plenty of smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors.  Replace gas appliances, such as the stove, with electric models.  Make sure that leftovers are thrown away regularly before they have a chance to spoil.  And finally, do consult the doctor if you notice a sudden onset of anosmia (inability to smell odors) to see if it may be reversible.

Let’s all enjoy the summer flowers while we can!

For more information, go to http://search.usa.gov  and search “Anosmia”