It’s an unfortunate reality that we live in a world where some people will do anything for a quick buck. Sometimes that means targeting older adults for their retirement savings or social security benefits. Some of these scams can be difficult to identify initially due to their complexity.
The best thing that you can do to protect yourself from these scams is to learn about them. Keep reading to learn how scammers will target older adults in 2021 and what you can do to keep yourself safe from them.
This has long been one of the most popular scams targeting older adults. Essentially, it involves fraudulent telephone calls from people who claim to represent the Social Security Administration (SSA). These callers tell older adults that they’re facing legal action and must provide a phone number.
These scammers are targeting your information. If you receive a call like this, hang up. Keep in mind that the SSA rarely contacts people over the phone. You can report suspicious calls like these to the SSA Office of the Inspector General by calling 1-800-269-0271.
Scammers have also been known to call older adults claiming to be a grandkid or another long-lost relative. Often, the scammer says that they need money for an accident or legal trouble.
If you receive a phone call like this, don’t give the scammer any of your money or personal information. Doing so could put your financial accounts at risk. If you’re unsure about whether or not the person calling is a relative, don’t act immediately. Instead, call the relative in question and ask them whether what you’re hearing is true.
Medicare scams have also gotten more popular in recent years. The caller will usually say that they need your information in order to make sure that your accounts are accurate. They may threaten an impending legal action or cancelation of your insurance.
If you get one of these calls, simply hang up right away. Talking to a scammer like this can cause them to keep trying. Your best strategy to make it stop is to simply refuse to interact with the caller in any way.
A scammer may also claim to be trying to help you get a better Medicare plan. Know that a person who can actually do this will never reach out to you in this way.
If you really do need help with getting a better Medicare plan, then call someone you can trust. For example, consider reaching out to a partnered licensed agent with Time for 65. They’re the Medicare experts who you can trust to provide you with the latest Medicare information.
Reaching an agent is incredibly easy. To do so, simply fill out this form today. Or, if you prefer talking on the phone, you can do that too. Agents are standing by to answer your questions. Just give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you to get started.
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