Scams

Protecting Seniors


  • Let Off Some Steam over Telemarketers
    Fight back and end the calls!
    You need an outlet for your venting, and you need it bad. A Web site lists millions of numbers that have given consumers headaches—and lets you register your complaints about them.
  • Have Laptop, Will Travel
    If you’re traveling with a laptop, you need to develop a plan to safeguard your equipment and the vital information it contains.
  • Report Quantifies Elder Abuse
    Thirteen percent of older Americans are suffering from verbal, financial, or physical mistreatment.
  • Guardianship Gone Bad
    “Isolate. Medicate. Take the estate.”
    With virtually no oversight by the courts that recommended them, guardians can become abusive, as families of the elderly all over the country have learned. Caught in the middle is the elderly ward who was supposed to be protected but has now become invisible.
  • You’re a Target for Scams
    The FBI devotes a lot of Web space to creating awareness about con artists targeting senior citizens. The possibility that you'll be a scam victim might not be as remote as you think.
  • Loneliness Can Drive Elderly to Trust Telemarketers
    When there’s not much to do and no one to talk to, the elderly may give telemarketers exactly what they want.
  • Be Wary of “Solutions” to Mortgage Woes
    Business is booming in the mortgage fraud world
    A multi-agency effort called Operation Malicious Mortgage led to 144 mortgage fraud cases in which 406 defendants were charged. An estimated $1 billion in losses were inflicted in these cases.
  • Beware of “Grandkids” Calling for Cash
    We would all help our grandkids in a heartbeat if they were in trouble. But some cries for help are from thieves and leave victims poorer and sadder for the embarrassment.
  • Storm Worm Virus
    Be on the lookout for spam e-mails spreading the Storm Worm malicious software (malware) which mention "F.B.I. vs. facebook."
  • Cough CPR Email Won’t Save Lives
    This hoax says that coughing vigorously and repeatedly will save your life if you think you’re experiencing a heart attack. Don’t do it!
  • FTC Cracks Down on Telemarketing Fraud
    Included in the more than 180 civil and criminal actions, 13 businesses have been charged in scams that often targeted seniors.
  • Do You Know “Who’s Calling”?
    The Federal Trade Commission has begun a consumer education campaign in an effort to bring more attention to the issue of telemarketing fraud.
  • When Will It Ever Stop?
    Scammers love to send us emails and snail mail. Here are just a few of the latest.
  • Think You’ll Really Win $2.1 Million?
    Have you received some mail saying you’ve won a sweepstakes?
  • Email Link Won’t Get You a Rebate Check
    Scammers are trying to bait people with emails offering direct deposit of the economic stimulus checks. The FBI says to beware: It’s just another attempt to get your personal information.
continues...
12next ›last »
Vote for your favorite Silver Star of 2008 Vote for your favorite
Silver Star of 2008

Getting Started on SilverPlanet

Select a topic from the list below:

Go




Instant Poll Header