Seniors - Watch Out For Scams

Watching out for scams really applies to everyone, not just seniors.  But it does seem that folks who have been slow to use computers get hit the hardest.  And scammers like to target people they think might have some money put away, who own their home, and that have great credit - and many seniors fall into this group. Here are a a few tips to hopefully keep you safe when you're online.

First, look at any offer 'out of the blue' with suspicion. Maybe it's for an 'anti-aging' product, discount medications (which turn out to be counterfeit), or 'free' medical devices that will be billed to and paid by your health insurance company.

Emails that request you reset your password or verify your account. It may look like a legitimate email from your bank, or from a social media site that you frequent.  Scammers send these out by the tens of thousands hoping to hit some that actually have an account.  For example, I get emails from a nationally known bank.  It includes their logo and looks very official.  The thing is I don't have an account with that bank.  That's an easy one.

Before you click on a link, position the mouse pointer over the link and wait for a second or two for a box to pop up that shows you the destination. My example below is from a social media site where I do have an account.  But the link is not going there!  These fake links go to places where they try to capture your personal info to use for fraudulent purposes.

You will go to a different location - not where the links says. SCAM!

NEVER open an attachment from somebody that you don't know. These attachments often install a virus or keyboard capture routine on your device and passwords can be stolen.

NEVER, EVER fall for the "you have won money", or "I need your help to get millions of U.S. Dollars out of my African country".  I know it sounds absurd, but people do fall for these.  Many of these are written in poor English and they almost always invoke god in some way.

And let's not forget the good old telephone call, either. Many offers come in as a "free prize", except that you have to pay tax and shipping and handling.  Watch out! A legitimate company will not pressure you to make a quick decision.

NEVER pay in advance for services.  That guy working out of his pickup truck might say he needs a couple of thousand dollars to buy materials, but you may never see him again. Of course, his prices are so much cheaper you'll be tempted to jump on his offer.  That is a major red flag.  Ask to see his construction license.  In Michigan, legitimate vendors get a 'pocket card' that indicates they are either a licensed builder, or a 'maintenance and alteration' contractor.  The M and A companies are for specific things like gutters, siding, roofing, painting.  You can check on a company or an individual at this link:  https://www.lara.michigan.gov/colaLicVerify/lSearch.jsp

Go to 'Search By License Type' then 'Profession', then 'Residential Builder'.  If you want to review a previous blog post that I wrote about builder licensing, you can find it here:
http://livingstonre.blogspot.com/2015/07/is-your-contractor-licensed-does-he.html

Remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!  Stay safe out there.

I am a full-time residential real estate professional and a senior real estate specialist.  If you have real estate questions, you can always contact me through this blog or my office phone number on the sidebar.