Financial fraud is when someone deceives you in order to take anything of value. This can include money or property. Financial fraud committed by a stranger quite often is done under guise of selling you something. It will look legitimate such as a lottery win, a salesman selling you something or a company trying to get you to invest in them. Those who commit financial fraud are experts at what they do. They look and act professional and are always coming up with new ideas.
Facts and Tips on Fraud Against Seniors
- The people who are involved in scams are friendly. They will try to reach you by telephone, mail or email. Scammers may pose as door to door sales people. They will offer you something that you feel you need.
- Scam artists often target seniors. Once they have fooled you, they will return to try again. Usually the second scam is an offer to help you recover the money or property that was already stolen from you.
- Beware of anything that sounds too good to be true. Be skeptical of anything that provides large profits quickly or involves moving money or expensive items.
- Keep your personal information private and your documents locked up. Shred those documents that are no longer needed. It’s easy for scammers, particularly those online, to access private information that they can use to commit fraud against others.
- Don’t have an unsecured mailbox near the street. Anyone walking or driving by can quickly stop and scan or steal your mail. This is one way that fraudsters commit identity theft.
- Don’t provide information over the phone. If you are not sure who is calling, ask them to send you mail. If they don’t have your address, don’t give it out. Hang up.
Those committing fraud against seniors usually have multiple victims. Click here to read about a major case of fraud in Ontario which involved 10 victims.
