Senior Victim Services - Information

Remember - If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

	A promise that you can win money, make money, or borrow money easily
	A demand that you act immediately or else miss out on this great opportunity
	A claim that you have won something but you must pay up-front fees to receive your prize
	A refusal to send you written information before you agree to buy or donate
	An attempt to scare you into something
	Insistence that you wire money, give out your credit card number, or allow a courier to pick up your payment
	A refusal to stop calling after you've asked not to be called again



People over the age of 60 - particularly older women living alone- are singled out as targets by fraudulent telemarketers, in part because they are perceived to be more polite and trusting of strangers. Telemarketing fraud is a multi-billion dollar business in the United States. Telephone con artists are hardened criminals who tend to be very skilled, sound believable and prey on you when you're feeling lonely. It's sometimes difficult to know whether a sales call is legitimate. The most common scams are sweepstakes or prize offers, travel packages, vitamins, magazine subscriptions, investments, charities, and fraud recovery scams. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable - hang up the phone. Register for the Do-Not-Call List at (888) 777-3406. Never send money or give your credit card or account number to an unfamiliar company. Wait till you have received written material about any offer or charity. And take your time making a decision.


The Federal Trade Commission reports that 27.3 million Americans became the victims of identity theft in the past five years and the Justice Department says it is the nation's fastest growing crime. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because they often have excellent credit that they may not use or monitor frequently. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name and personal information to fraudulently obtain credit, merchandise or services. Your identity may be used to open new credit card accounts, take over existing accounts, apply for loans, rent an apartment, obtain utility or cell phone services, steal or transfer money from bank accounts or secure employment.


Examine your credit card bills and account balances to look for unauthorized charges or withdrawals. Use a shredder to dispose of documents containing private information and pre-approved credit card offers. Be stingy with information if someone calls or sends you an unsolicited e-mail. Lock your mailbox. Avoid strange ATM's. Add password protections to your bank and brokerage accounts. Order copies of your credit report from all three major credit-reporting agencies to check for fraud. Back to top