Every day, older men and women on certain Medicare plans get calls saying they need to arrange their home visit. The number that calls doesn't seem to be familiar. If you do an internet search of the number, it comes up as a legitimate call, but others say it's a scam.
It's clear that scammers are getting trickier. They're using realistic stories and situations to trick seniors into giving out confidential information or sending money. How can you tell if it really is a scam?
The Caller Demands Payment ASAP
Typically, a scammer doesn't want to give the victim time to research. If the caller says it's urgent and money must be sent now while they're still on the phone, it's likely a scam. Your mom or dad has every right to demand to get proof or more information in the mail before doing anything. Make sure they know to ask for that proof.
With the grandparent scam, the caller may pose as an officer, doctor, attorney, or grandson/granddaughter. They say the money is urgently needed to save the grandchild from jail, arrest, or a medical issue. It can seem troubling to not act, but your parent needs to tell the caller they want information on where to return the call. The caller won't want them to call other family members first, but your parent needs to.
Personal Information is Requested
A bank, credit card company, federal agency, or state agency will not send an email asking your parent to give out account numbers, SSNs, or other private information. If they call, they won't ask for more than four digits of your SSN. They will already have the account number on their screen, they won't need your mom or dad to give it to them again.
Your mom and dad have every right to hang up, look up the bank or agency online and call the number they find on the official website. For a local bank, they should call the number in the phone book or on their last statement. Once they're connected, they need to ask if the call was legitimate. If it turns out it is, they should ask to speak to a manager and inform the manager that the methods being used made them worry that a scam was being pulled. Management can use this feedback to change their policies.
Your Parents Feel Pressured
If a call or email makes your parent feel pressured, it could well be a scam and they should ignore it. They can always take the information given to them and visit the local police to see if there are reports of this type of call being a scam.
Senior care services help aging adults remain independent. With companionship services, your parents don't have to be alone. They'll have a second person in the home to help them judge if a call or email is legitimate. Call a senior care agency to arrange companionship visits.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Mount Olympus, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
