Published: March 11, 2007 06:17 pm      

Be alert for senior scams

EDMOND — It seems as though spring may actually reappear. As we welcome the long-awaited crocuses and robins, local experts warn that some unwelcome signs of spring are not far behind.

Scams, in particular those targeting seniors, seem to bloom with the redbuds this time of year. Julius Caesar had his Ides of March, and unfortunately, so do we.

The Oklahoma Attorney General’s office is advising seniors to be careful of door-to-door home improvement contractors and loan schemes that require up-front fees.

These con artists frequently strike at “spring cleaning” time and following weather events, such as the ice storms that struck in January.

April showers bring May flowers, but tax time can bring fraudulent income tax schemes.

“I was at a client’s home a couple of weeks ago and I was just shocked,” said Davis Loftis, owner of Home Instead Senior Care. “Someone called and said they were from the IRS. He gave them his Social Security number and other information.”

When Loftis asked the client how he knew the caller was legitimate, the man explained he had been trying to contact the agency and they were finally returning his calls.

“How freely he gave that information just shocked me,” Loftis said.

To avoid falling victim to an income tax fraud scheme, Loftis suggests asking for a call-back number, the agent’s name and identification number. Call the IRS back at the number listed in the telephone directory to see if the information checks out.

The same goes for calls from banks or anyone else wanting a person to disclose personal information over the phone.

Although people of all ages should beware of scams and cons, Loftis said seniors are especially vulnerable.

“They’re just so trusting,” he said. “They are willing to do or say anything if asked.” Loftis believes this is due to the fact seniors were reared to be trusting, while Baby Boomers were reared to be more skeptical.

“They’re alone,” he continued. “A phone call is contact with the outside world and they’ll talk. It’s scary.”

A third ingredient in this recipe for disaster, he said, is the fact seniors fear they will outlive their money. Get-rich-quick schemes seem more attractive if a person believes he is heading for financial ruin.

Unfortunately, tax-and home-improvement scams are not the only con games in town.

Loftis said, more frequently, he is seeing people who take change of address cards from the United States Post Office and fraudulently divert a senior’s mail to an empty home.

This way, criminals gain access to a senior’s private bank account, Social Security and other information, as well as to checks that come via the mail.

Loftis suggests contacting the post office if a person notices a significant drop in the volume of mail or if one notices he is not receiving bills that come on a regular basis.

The advent of the Oklahoma Lottery may have given rise to the number of lottery, prize and sweepstakes scams.

Loftis advises to be wary of anyone calling to say a person has won a large amount of money. The caller will then ask the individual to send money to cover the taxes. Once the “prize” check is found to be phony, the victim’s money is gone, along with the “lottery

official.”

Family members should take note of anyone who suddenly befriends an older loved one. Not only do valuables and money begin to disappear, but Loftis said he has heard of cases where the new “friend” manipulates the senior into turning over power of attorney.

He said the “friend” can be a caregiver or other domestic employee. Sometimes the person can be someone who has been in the older person’s employ for a long period of time.

Loftis said not to be afraid to ask questions if a relationship seems to change or of new people in your loved one’s life.

Someone with less-than-honorable intentions will leave if he realizes the family is on to him.

He said the best insurance against caregiver fraud is to hire through an agency. Although nothing is foolproof, Loftis said agencies carry insurance, employees are bonded and the state requires background checks.

“Some private caregivers can be wonderful,” he said. “But it’s not a smart practice. You don’t know if they’re paying taxes or if there is workers comp.”

It also is imperative, he added, to alert authorities if an individual or a loved one is a victim of fraud.

“The problem is (seniors) don’t want to report it,” he said. “They’re embarrassed. But the bad thing is that (the criminals) just move on to someone else.”

Loftis recommended other tactics for avoiding fraud.

n Contact the Direct Marketing Association and ask to be placed on the national Do Not Call Registry and ask to be taken off of mailing lists.

n Get a power of attorney if you are unsure of your loved one’s ability.

n Have the bank or other financial institutions send you the senior’s duplicate statements to check for unusual activity.

n Make sure the elderly person in your life understands the Internet. Explain how dangerous it can be to divulge information online.