Ask an Angel: February 23, 2012

Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Arlene Petersen, Certified Senior Advisor and Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.

I have been hearing more and more stories about seniors getting “scammed” by con artists. How can I be more aware of what is going on regarding this?

You are right. There are many con artists out there these days. It seems that we live in desperate times, and there is no end to what someone is willing to do to “make a buck.” It’s too bad that there are individuals out there who prey on the aging adult population, but they do. The best defense is to educate yourself and have the good sense to report those who try to lure you into a questionable situation.

Fortunately for us, we have an expert right in our own area. Elderly service officer for the city of Elgin, Cherie Aschenbrenner, has presented to numerous communities throughout the area. Cherie alerts people via email when a scam has been identified in the area. For example, Cherie alerted people to the “gypsy scam.” She warns this scam occurs when someone you don’t know approaches you to offer a service for your home or asks to check something on your property or in your home. You may be approached while in your yard, garage, or he/she may come to your door, using several stories to access you or your home. Such stories might include telling you that they would like to help you with yard work, need to take you to the backyard to look at something, or they are in the area and broke a water line and need to come in and check your water pressure. There are a million reasons they need you to go to the backyard or into your home. The goal is to distract you while accomplices go into your house, go to your bedroom, and look for cash, jewelry, or prescription medicines. When their accomplices have your items, they will telephone or use a walkie-talkie to alert the (wo)man with you and let them know they are leaving. You may not even discover your items are gone for several hours or days.

Cherie wants people to know that these types of interactions are “red flags.” In her newsletter article, she advises, “People need to go into their homes, lock the doors, and call 911. Tell the police about your suspicious incident, and try and get good descriptions of these individuals and their vehicle with plate number. You are NOT bothering the police. We need your help to catch these individuals.”

Often your city website lists scams that are prevalent. In South Elgin, the following scams and how to protect oneself are listed on their website:

Home Improvement Scam

Door-to-door con artists use pressure and intimidate their victims into believing they need immediate repairs, such as seal coating, roofing, painting, siding, or yard work. Protect yourself:

Always get a written contract. Never decide immediately. Get another estimate, as work may not really be needed. Check references. Never make any payment until work is complete and to your satisfaction.

Impersonation Scam

This pertains to the “gypsy scam” I described.

Con artists and thieves will sometimes impersonate utility workers to gain access into your home. Protect yourself:

Always look for or ask to see a work photo ID.

Look for a marked vehicle in the area from the utility company, city, or village.

Call the utility company to verify work is scheduled for your home. Notice is usually given.

Unless you called for service, there should be no reason for any person to ask to enter your home.

A legitimate worker will not be offended if you want to verify their employment.

Charity Scam

Some scammers love to use the telephone. Be cautious of telemarketers. They will state they are with an organization that sounds like a legitimate charity.

Genuine charities do not use high-pressure tactics.

Never give personal information over the phone.

It is okay to hang up on a telemarketer. It is not rude – it is smart. Callers have falsely represented police/fire departments. Ask permission to call them back, and then get the non-emergency number from your phone book.

If you think the caller is legitimate, ask them to send you their request to your home. They have the address if they were able to pull your phone number up. If they are not willing to mail you information, tell them you are not interested, and don’t volunteer your address.

No soliciting over the phone. That simple rule will keep you safe.

Fake Emergency Appeals

Be cautious of calls or letters received from a person claiming to be a relative that you may not have seen lately, asking for money. The con artist will play with your heartstrings, stating they are in desperate need of money. They may ask you to wire funds or send a cashier’s check. In these situations, callers will often say, “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” Although Grandma may not recognize the voice, she may state a name, which then the con-artist uses as their fake identity to appeal for money.

Contact another relative to confirm the story.

Ask questions they should be familiar with about the family.

If you feel it is not right, it probably isn’t.

Computer-Phishing Scam

Phishing is a tactic con-artists use to trick a person into providing bank or credit card information by sending an e-mail pretending to be from a bank, internet provider, etc., asking for verification of an account number or password.

Be suspicious of e-mails received asking for you to verify personal information. Banks or legitimate businesses do not solicit their customers through e-mail.

A savvy con-artist can make their request appear to be a legitimate e-mail from a bank or lending institution. If it seems legitimate, call the business by phone to confirm they have solicited the information being requested.

Keep your passwords for online accounts separate and not on your computer.

Check with your police department to see if there is an Elderly Service Officer on staff. Get to know them. Your area may also be a part of a TRIAD organization. This is an organization that involves a partnership of law enforcement agencies in a county (Sheriff’s office, police department, etc.) and older or retired persons in the community that work together. Your local police department can let you know if they participate in a TRIAD. Remember, education is the best defense against scams. Work only with people you trust to avoid getting taken advantage of.

Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to apetersen@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.

---