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Step 1
Do not open the door if an unidentified person is knocking. If the senior does not recognize the person at the door, do not answer. Many thieves will knock on the door to try to see if the senior is home alone and to see if there are any opportunities to be taken advantage of. Under no circumstance should a senior ever let a stranger into their house. Many seniors trust people who come to the door, especially if they appear to be distressed or have children with them.
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Step 2
Never reveal credit card, date of birth or social security information over the telephone. A senior may receive a telephone call advertising a can't-miss opportunity with little or no risk, but what really happens is the scammer is trying to get valuable information in order to take out credit cards in the victim's name.
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Step 3
Notify police if a senior receives a letter or e-mail threatening violence unless the victim pays a certain amount of money. The scammer is just trying to get a check or money order from the victim.
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Step 4
Contact police if the senior receives a letter that is mailed from Nigeria offering the recipient the opportunity to share a percentage of millions of dollars if they allow a deposit to be made into their bank account. The scammer usually uses this opportunity to empty the victim's bank account.
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Step 5
Make sure checks are written in the name of the charity when making donations. Many seniors have been scammed by someone posing as a representative for a charity or organization and asking for a donation. The scammer tells the victim to write the check out to himself instead of the charity. The check is then cashed, and the scammer keeps the money.
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Step 6
Shred credit card receipts and bank statements. Close unused credit cards or bank accounts, and never give out personal information over the phone or Internet.
