Friday, May 03, 2013

Heads up, Elders!!!

I subscribe to the Ohio Dept. of Aging website's newsletters and this came in my mailbox from them this morning. I hate scammers. Please be alert. If they're trying it here -- your state could be next. I copied it for y'all but it looks one of like their normal messages.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2013
Older Ohioans warned to beware of scammers impersonating aging services staff
Ask for ID and do not allow anyone in your home whom you are not expecting

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COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging has issued a consumer alert for older adults throughout the state following several incidents in southern Ohio of scammers impersonating staff of elder services agencies to attempt to get information or access to elders' homes. All residents and their families should be aware of anyone showing up unannounced to their homes claiming to represent an area agency on aging or other similar organization.

Tips to avoid becoming a victim:

Do not allow anyone in your home if you were not expecting him or her. Any representative of an area agency on aging will schedule a home visit or allow the visit to be verified.

Ask for identification and call 1-866-243-5678 during regular business hours to be connected to your area agency on aging to verify the individual is who he or she claims to be. Representatives of area agencies on aging are required to carry a badge or other documents identifying them as an employee of the agency.

If asked to complete or sign forms, insist that you be allowed to review them and mail them in later. Verify any forms with your area agency on aging before completing or signing. If the person insists you sign in their presence, refuse and ask him or her to leave.

If you suspect you've been visited by an imposter, ask the individual to leave, then immediately report the incident to local law enforcement. Include a description of the person and, if possible, his or her vehicle.

Scammers also may try to call consumers and ask for information. Legitimate representatives of an area agency on aging will always provide an employee name and call-back number. If you suspect fraud, get the caller's name, then hang up and call 1-866-243-5678 and ask about the caller.

Scammers may claim to represent any of these organizations: area agency on aging, council on aging, office of aging, PASSPORT or other organizations with similar titles. In all the currently known incidents, the consumers suspected fraud and refused to comply with the requests. Anyone who feels they may have been a target should contact local law enforcement. The Department of Aging wants to ensure that no resident is victimized by these apparent scams, and is working with the aging network and state and local law enforcement on education and prevention.

Here's the link: http://www.aging.ohio.gov/news/pressreleases/2013/20130502.htm



Not so happy blogging. Be careful. Those of you in other states may be next.


Kay

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for the warning. We should check the ids of anyone asking for access.

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  2. Yikes, it's a scary world out there, esp. for those of us who are mentally, physically or in any other way impaired. Thanks for passing on the cautionary note.

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    Replies
    1. All part of the service! LOL Seriously, we have to take of each other.

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  3. There are so many scammers out there it is best to be cautious.

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  4. We got a crash course in scammers when taking care of my mother in law. We were not subjected to scams exactly like this, but human ingenuity is amazing, and we had to fend off opportunists quite a number of times, on her behalf.

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  5. Thanks for the tip. I still think most humans are basically good, but sometimes it's hard to keep that faith.

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  6. This is an age old practice to scam homeowners. This has a different twist in that they zero in on the aging. I do agree with commenter Dick Klade -- most humans are basically good. Using common sense, gut feelings and awareness will help you drop that fear factor that media, governmental organizations, corporations etc want you to have -- they like to keep you in line. Good post -- barbara

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  7. Hawaii is getting hit by a lot of robberies and scammers lately. Maybe it's because of our aging population. It's scary and disconcerting. Those Rainbow vacuum cleaner salespeople are the latest aggravation. We've also been hit with false requests for help from friends whose e-mail address book had been hacked.

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  8. Sometimes when I hear about these, my first thought is why would anybody be so gullible. Then I remember that many older people are so isolated, relieved anyone is paying them attention that they do not ask the necessary questions. It's good to have your reminder.

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  9. News stories here in Southern California are frequently aired about scammers exploiting elders. Many are phone calls purported to be from a young relative in a desperate situation who needs money sent. The latest instance was a grandmother who boxed cash she sent to an impersonated grandchild supposedly trying to avoid being imprisoned in Mexico. Cameras recorded the criminal picking up the money but he's not been caught yet.

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  10. Hope you are moving a little faster. I'm creeping here. Yup, scammers here too.

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