By Larry Kidder | Senior citizens in the U.S. are more likely to fall prey to scammers than other demographics. A seminar at Drayson Center, co-sponsored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos and the Contractors State License Board, promises to shed light on the problem and provide ways to fight back.
Senior citizens in the United States are more vulnerable to a variety of scams than other groups. The seminar, "Senior Scam Stopper," co-sponsored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos and the Contractors State License Board, will address ways to protect seniors from fraud, as well as discuss California legislation that targets scams relating to home improvement, auto repair, insurance, telemarketing, real estate, and more.
This unique opportunity will take place at Loma Linda University Drayson Center on Thursday, November 21, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. For information or to RSVP, call 909-476-5023 or visit asmdc.org/dr.
According to the National Council on Aging in an article titled "Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors" https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/money-management/scams-security/top-10-scams-targeting-seniors/, the leading scams relate to: Medicare and other health insurance, counterfeit prescription drugs, funeral and cemetery arrangements, anti-aging and other natural health products, investment schemes, homeowner and reverse mortgages, sweepstakes and lottery, and the notorious grandparent scheme.
Picture this. A scammer calls a senior who happens to be a grandmother and says, "Hi, Grandma. Guess who this is?" The grandmother will likely answer with the grandchild's name who sounds most like the caller. From that point on, the scammer becomes that grandchild and proceeds to share a dire scenario where cash is needed immediately. The scammer instructs the grandmother to use a financial service like Western Union or Moneygram that does not require ID. The phone call finishes with, "Listen, Grandma. Keep this between us. I'd feel embarrassed if Mom or Dad found out."
This scam preys on the most vulnerable part of a grandparent: the heart. The "dire" situation causes the senior citizen to drop his or her guard.
If you could see yourself falling for such a scam (or not), plan to attend "Senior Scam Stopper" at Drayson Center, 25040 Stewart Street, Loma Linda, on Thursday, November 21, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Again, call 909-476-5023 or visit asmdc.org/dr for more information or to RSVP.
See you there …