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Fraud and the Elderly. Presented by Detective Scott Sluder Winston-Salem Police Department. Why Me?. Fraudsters target senior citizens because….. Generally good credit Trusting people
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Fraud and the Elderly Presented by Detective Scott Sluder Winston-Salem Police Department
Why Me? Fraudsters target senior citizens because….. Generally good credit Trusting people They hope faltering memory combined with confident and convincing conversation will lead to a “payday”
Common Methods Unexpected Offers • Telephone – Grandparent, Phony “Official” • Letters – Sweepstakes, Secret Shopper • E-Mails – Bank, Credit Card, Lottery In Person – Pigeon Drop, Repairs, Utilities
Common Methods Theft of personal items Sensitive documents – work, home, car Purse / wallet – SS Card, ID Cards, checkbooks Mail- checks, credit offers Trash
Prevention • Monitor account statements • Report suspicious activity – bank, creditors, police • Check credit report annually • Protect your SS Number – Don’t carry it !!!! • Protect your PIN numbers • Take bills to the Post Office – or pay online • Consider a Durable Power of Attorney
SHRED, SHRED, SHRED Use a cross cut shredder to destroy… Tax forms Paper checks Bank statements and credit card statements Old credit cards, ID cards Anything with account numbers or social security numbers Anything with a signature on it
Resources NC Attorney General Office – www.ncdoj.gov • (919) 716-6000 Federal Trade Commission - www.ftc.gov/idtheft (877) ID Theft (877) 438-4338
Guiding Principles • KNOWto whom you are sending money & information – ask questions • Banks, lenders, credit card companies WILL NOT notify you to CONFIRM your personal information!!!!
Guiding Principles • If you initiate contact – OK • If “THEY” initiate contact – “NOT OK”
Tried and True Rule If it sounds too good to be true………… IT IS!
Fraud and the Elderly Presented by Detective Scott Sluder Winston-Salem Police Department