Many legitimate companies and charities solicit potential consumers by phone or in person and consider it to be an effective way to make money.  Unfortunately, others set out to target some of the most vulnerable in our society and their intentions are far from honorable.  The National Crime Prevention Council wants to help senior citizens from becoming victims of fraud by educating consumers.

          According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 25 million Americans are victims of consumer fraud each year.  Senior citizens continue to be a rapidly increasing segment of the population and that makes them a prime target for con artists and thieves.  Americans who are 65 or older represent about 13% of our country’s population.  Their population will continue to grow as the Baby Boomer generation begins to enter that age range.

          On the telemarketing front, studies have shown that senior citizens are more at risk to be targeted by telemarketing scams than any other age groups, and fraudulent telemarketers direct up to 80% of their calls at older Americans.  That’s why the National Crime Prevention Council wants senior citizens to keep these tips in mind:

·         Offers too good to be true usually are.  Ask to receive the “unbelievable deal” or the “amazing prize offer” in writing so you can read it carefully before making a commitment.

• Never give out your personal information over the phone or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact.  Legitimate business callers will never ask you for this information over the phone.
• If a caller asks you to pay for an offer in advance or asks for your credit card number or Social Security number, tell the person you don’t give out personal information over the telephone.
• Remember that legitimate telemarketers won’t be turned off if you use these techniques.  They will appreciate dealing with an educated consumer.  It’s not rude – it’s shrewd!

When it comes to door-to-door solicitation, Security World News offers some tips.  Never open your door to someone you think might be a con.  If you would like to interact, always ask for identification and a phone number you can call to verify legitimacy.  It’s better to deal with a solicitor when someone else is home, and if you’re thinking about donating money, buying a product, or joining an organization run the idea past a friend or family member.  Another simple and effective tip to avoid door-to-door solicitors all together is to install a video door phone (starting at $169.99 Home Security Store).  This way you don’t even have to come face to face with the solicitor.  It’s easier to tell someone to go away when you don’t have to actually look this person in the face.

          As another part of NCPS’s push to prevent senior scams, members have released a booklet entitled, Seniors and Fraud 101.  This booklet helps reinforce the tips already outlined in this article and further guides senior citizens through dealing with telemarketing and door-to-door offers.  You can order this publication by calling 1-800-WE-PREVENT.