Older adults often are prime targets for con artists looking to steal their money, property or identifications. Because of the growing population, more senior citizens are at risk of losing their trust in others.
For many seniors its freighting to know that scammers are after their money. "It happens, you hear about it. We came up during a very innocent time where we trusted every body." Sherry Swartout says.
Sherry lost her trust in people, when she was sent an email that claimed she won an undisclosed amount of money, but when she picked up the phone and called the company, they denied any such thing.
"So if I would of filled that out and sent it out, they would of taken from me, instead of me winning something." Swartout says.
Scams can come by phone, by mail, and even by e-mail, but no matter how it's delivered; experts say you should always get a second opinion.
Lee Harrell the local owner of Home Instead Senior Care talks to seniors and their families on a daily basis and says he hears of cases, where scammers play on their victim's emotions.
"They make you feel so guilty or they make you feel as if you don't help them, then it's your fault."
We spoke to some elderly people about scams; one person told us an alleged candidate called him asking for a donation, and when he called the candidates office to see if they were soliciting money by phone, they said no.
To receive a free Senior Fraud Protection Kit, call 850-522-1919.
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