If you or someone you love has been victimized by a scam, it’s imperative to act quickly. The sooner you assess and address the damage, the better the odds are you can reduce the risk in the future.
Here are a few immediate steps to take when you discover fraud:
- Notify banks and credit card companies. Call the bank or credit card company. Have the account closed or the card blocked. If the bank account has been compromised, there is no time to waste. You will likely need to review past statements and records to identify the fraudulent transactions.
- Assess the damage. If an elderly family member is the victim, try to learn as much as possible about the information that was provided to the perpetrator. Ask your family member about the amount of money that was sent and the type of information shared. Use a caring and supportive tone. If you seem angry or harsh, it might come across in a threatening manner.
- Watch the mail. It’s possible that mail will arrive indicating a larger problem. If you see anything unusual, such as statements for a credit card that the person doesn’t have, additional effort will be required to arrest the problem. You might be able to put a freeze on their credit to stop the scammer from opening additional accounts.
It’s important to remain vigilant and proactive to help prevent common scams from harming you or family members. Oftentimes seniors fall victim to scams because they don’t understand the potential risks in this fast-paced world.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to navigate these problems without support. Consider the benefits of reaching out to an eldercare professional for assistance. You can tap into their expertise and identify the best ways to improve the situation. We are here to help you find the right resources in your area. If you need support, contact us any time: Email info@SeniorSafeAndSound.org or call 858-480-7551. Senior Safe and Sound.
This information is intended to inform the public at large about this important issue. It is not intended to serve as legal advice.