Sweepstakes have been around for decades as a way for companies to promote themselves or their products. However, phony sweepstakes have been around nearly as long, and seniors are often targeted by disreputable companies looking for easy targets. Determining a legitimate sweepstakes from the illegitimate kind can be difficult at times, but there are signs that can reveal a potential scam. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s possible your senior loved one is being targeted by scammers.
Sales Promotions
Be wary of any giveaway that requires the “winner” to attend a sales meeting, especially one out of town. Your loved one could be the target of a very high-pressure sales meeting designed to coerce people to purchase items well in excess of any proposed winnings.
Requirements for Checking Account or Credit Card Information
Any sweepstakes that requires giving away banking information or credit card information should be avoided. Once this information is received by a scam artist, your loved one’s bank account could be cleaned out in the blink of an eye.
In addition to being susceptible to scams, seniors can face a variety of other challenges as they age. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust homecare experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Calls from Strangers
The Do Not Call Implementation Act prevents most telemarketers, including sweepstakes companies, from contacting a person on the Do Not Call Registry. Legitimate companies are aware of the law and avoid contacting people on the list. Be wary of a company that ignores your name on the list. If not registered, you can add your loved one’s name by phone at 1-888-382-1222 or on the internet via DoNotCall.gov.
From avoiding scams to performing basic housekeeping chores, older adults may need help with an array of tasks. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Fremont respite care experts from Assisting Hands Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
Payment for Taxes or Fees
Don’t send any money to a company requesting funds to “pay taxes or fees.” Normally, a sweepstakes winner is responsible for payment of his or her own taxes. If the company is required to collect taxes on winnings, they’ll simply deduct the amount from the winnings.
Fake Checks
Fake checks are often difficult to detect and are becoming a popular method of scamming unsuspecting seniors. Receipt of an unsolicited prize check should be viewed with extreme caution. The company may be hoping your loved one deposits the check to obtain bank account information. If it requires wiring funds upon receipt of the check, your loved one shouldn’t deposit it. If the check is fake and your loved one withdraws funds drawn against it, he or she may be liable if it turns out to be a forgery. If there’s any doubt, present the check to the bank manager to authenticate it, and never make withdrawals against it until the check completely clears.
Protection from scams isn’t the only thing older adults need to age in place safely and comfortably. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Fremont families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Call us today to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.
