Washington County, Kansas--Crimes Against Seniors

They search out whom they perceive as the most vulnerable - often those living alone, on fixed incomes and trusting of the sales pitch. Their visits or phone calls come unannounced and their offers seem "too good to be true". Their scams range from telemarketing, sweepstakes, home repairs, miracle cures, misrepresentation of charitable organizations, slamming, identity theft, living trust frauds, pyramid and get rich schemes. Inevitably, their primary targets are seniors.

Crime has always been and continues to be a major concern in our society. We are constantly bombarded with daily news stories reminding us of our vulnerabilities and associated risks to violence. Prevention has primarily focused on the investment of millions of dollars in purchasing home alarm systems, installing safety locks in our homes and purchasing guns for our self protection. Many communities are also proactively establishing partnerships with local police departments and initiating neighborhood watch block programs.

The elderly have been especially targeted for specific types of crimes even though statistics from the United States Department of Justice indicate that as a group they are less likely to become the victims of violence than younger age groups. However, the elderly exhibit a higher level of fear of crime because of their perceived vulnerability to being victimized.

Seniors can protect themselves from these crimes by knowing how to identify these various scams and taking the necessary preventative measures. Unfortunately, elder crime is usually difficult to investigate and resolve because victims generally hesitate to come forward and report the crime. There are many behavioral issues that come into play regarding the hesitation of the victim to pursue prosecution. These range from fear, embarrassment, greed, and reprisals from their spouse or caregivers.

Why We Fall for Such Scams

One of the difficulties with human nature when it comes to fraudulent crimes or scams is that we allow our emotions and behaviors to effect our better judgment. We base many of our actions and decisions on factors that include our personal upbringing, belief systems, past experiences, trust worthiness of others, religious and moral beliefs and a whole host of other dynamics.

For many seniors it is difficult to associate the friendly voice on the telephone with a potential crook that is out to steal their money. Most believe that the caller has a legitimate business reason for calling and that their actions are not criminal. After the scam, they attempt to rationalize that the loss wasn't a crime, rather, they didn't get their "money's worth".

Some of the personal dynamics that can come into play in being swindled include the following:

Crooks are often very convincing and it is often difficult to differentiate them from legitimate salespeople.

It's impolite to hang up. Many people feel uncomfortable about hanging up on people. A good swindler, however, takes full advantage of this by taking control of the conversation and attempting to get you to act upon your emotions.

Wear Um Down Tactics- Multiple attempts to get you to buy in are primarily focused on getting you to break in order to get rid of the person.

Trustworthy Intuition - Many of us want to give the benefit of the doubt to the caller believing that their story or offer is true.

False Beliefs - Who doesn't want to believe that the prize being offered must be the person's lucky day?

Telemarketing Fraud

Today's consumer has more options and flexibility then ever before when it comes to purchasing goods. Shopping by telephone or ordering items on the Internet has made obtaining products easier then ever before. Unfortunately, persons eager to commit crimes against those consumers utilizing it for convenience also use the telephone.

It's estimated that millions of dollars each year are bilked by these illegal scams with a growing focus of them being geared towards the elderly. While there are a number of legitimate companies doing business through telemarketing there is a growing number of illegal operations popping up every day.

Telemarketing fraud involves the illegal use of telecommunication systems for the purposes of conducting unsolicited sales offers over the telephone. These tactics usually employ the use of high-pressure sales approaches and offer deals that can sound too good to be true.

All consumers, and seniors in particular, need to understand that many of these operations are being run by individuals that are very good at what they do and are not just low-life salespeople. These operators are criminals and won't stop until they've swindled you out of your life savings! They're so good at their business antics that in the past they've even convinced persons to mortgage their homes in order to claim sweepstakes prizes. Unfortunately, all too often these offers and get rich schemes don't exist.

Seniors can protect themselves by knowing how to identify fraudulent sales pitches. There are a number of different types of telemarketing frauds. Some of the more common scams include the following approaches:

Phony Prizes or "rewards" will often require you to either send in money for the costs of collecting a prize or to make a purchase with a prize. Often the prize turns out to be of little or no value. Legitimate sweepstakes or prize offers don't ask for payment because it's illegal!

Bargain Sales are usually offerings that list several items for sale, one of, which is priced way below its "normal" value. The bargain prize usually ends up being some fake or a toy replicate of the prize.

"No risk investment". Unfortunately, all investments are risky and legitimate companies must tell you of the potential risks involved.

"Congratulations, you have just won". Remember that old saying that nothing is free in life? Nothing!

900- Number Toll Calls- collecting prizes through the use of a toll call to a 900-telephone number often result in expensive phone bills. Report any requirement of dialing a 900 number to your local police department.

What You Can Do

One of the first things you can do if you receive an unsolicited phone call is to remember that you did not ask to be called. Do not get suckered into feeling like you have to act upon any request. Remember that these individuals will attempt to establish rapport with you by "connecting" in some special way.

It is perfectly all right to say, "No thank you!" and hang up. Ask them not to call you again.

Ask for written sales literature or a contract before making decisions. Most fraudulent operations will often refuse such requests or conveniently state that they don't have such important information. This should be another "warning" sign to you and will allow you time to thoroughly evaluate any such solicitations.

Offers that are about to expire or are for a time limited period only should raise suspicions on your part. These tactics are aimed at pressuring you into making hurried decisions. Don't fall for them!

NEVER send in money as a prerequisite to pick up your prize. Remember, if its free - its FREE!

NEVER give your credit card number, social security number or bank account information to an individual that you don't know. Report all suspicious requests to your local law enforcement agency.

Take your time in making informed decisions. If you have any doubts or reservations you may need to do more homework on the company. The Better Business Bureau may be a valuable resource to assist you. ALWAYS follow your "gut" instincts!

Ask them not to call you again. Legitimate companies will be more then glad to take you off of their call list if you so request. Cons on the other hand will keep calling you trying to wear you down and to pressure you into giving

Fraudulent Charities

All of us have a soft spot in our hearts when it comes to helping out the less fortunate. Our efforts and donations provide us with the feeling of being able to make a difference and plays on our emotional feelings of generosity.

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous telemarketers will say they are calling on behalf of a charity and may ask you to send a donation to send a handicapped child to camp. The offer may be to purchase light bulbs or other household items at inflated prices. These tactics are all aimed at soliciting your generosity in the name of helping others. Who can refuse?

If you are not careful your generosity can be exploited and your intended contribution can end up in the hands of crooks! If you decide to give there are some simple rules to follow to prevent you from being swindled. First, give wisely. Make sure that you are familiar with the organization. Many bogus "sounding" organizations are created that resemble and appear to be very much like the authentic organization.

Creative tactics used by some bogus solicitors include masquerading in uniforms to throw you off such as police officers or official "looking" representatives dressed in uniforms. Unfortunately, these are fly by night operations preying on your emotions and name familiarity for your generous contributions. Don't hesitate to ask the solicitor for some proper identification.

Many states require the solicitor to register with the state Attorney Generals Office as well as posting bond and submitting to background checks before they are allowed to contact you.

Unless you are absolutely sure of the organization that you are giving to the following steps may prevent you from being swindled.

Request any such solicitations in writing. Remember, legitimate organizations will be more then glad to mail you literature.

Don't be pressured into contributing.

Don't fall for unsolicited callers who claim to offer gifts to a limited number of people who donate.

Ask what the purpose of the contribution that you are giving will be used for and is your contribution tax deductible?

If you make a donation make sure you do so in the form of a check. NEVER pay with cash or make a check out to the solicitor. Make sure you get a receipt for your records.

Be alert for organizations that have familiar sounding names.

Ask the solicitor if they are registered with your state Attorney General's Office and if necessary verify this fact before giving.

Repair Frauds

Two of the biggest investments that we make in our lifetime involve our homes and automobiles. It's no wonder then that these areas are becoming two of the hottest targets for scams. One of the complicating matters when it comes to being a potential victim for these scams is our own lack of repair knowledge. Does the entire engine have to be overhauled or is it simply a matter of replacing a smaller component? Who do we trust?

Unfortunately, we must rely on the opinions of the experts before we can make an informed decision. With the increase of consumer complaints there are some specific measures you can take to prevent unnecessary and bogus repairs.

Be weary of unsolicited contractors who inform you of damage and costly repair work on areas such as your roof and driveways.

Pressure tactics and limited time offers should also raise red flags. · Get several opinions on repair or replacement work before making decisions.

Check out the company's credentials. The Better Business Bureau or your state Attorney General's Office may be able to provide you with sound references.

Check references of other consumers who have used their services. What do they tell you about the contractor?

Make sure you get everything in writing and have someone review any written contract before you sign.

NEVER pay for jobs in advance. Be weary of demands for large payments before the job has ever started. Negotiate a payment schedule and make sure the last payment is tied directly to finished work.

Jobs that are a deal due to the contractor having left over materials from a previous job should raise suspicions.

Deal with licensed and insured contractors.

Pyramid Schemes

What are Pyramid schemes? First it's important to know that they are illegal! A pyramid functions by recruiting persons to pay money to participate, with minimal or no other legitimate business purpose for its existence. Often times there appears to be a legitimate targeted concept or product but the primary objective of Pyramid schemes is to recruit persons to give money to the persons at the top of the pyramid.

Over time there are fewer people willing to participate in this scheme and those at the bottom lose out. According to the Federal Trade Commission the majority of investors in Pyramid schemes lose money. These get rich efforts and scams usually last a brief period of time before they close down. The enticing trap to these operations is based on personal greed and the attraction of making money by recruiting others to participate. Often our friends.

As with all scams there are certain things you should be aware of to prevent yourself from being taken to the cleaner. These include:

Be suspicious of any offer to make money by recruiting others. Also, high profit pitches of working at home with little effort required should also be avoided.

Before you invest in any business offering get advice from a trusted advisor or business associate.

Check out the legitimacy of the business.

Don't get pressured into sales tactics especially those with a time-limited offer.

Identity Fraud

Without doubt one of the largest and most alarming scams targeted towards seniors is identity theft. This scam involves stealing your identity by using personal and confidential data including your name, credit card numbers, date of birth, health insurance information and other valuable financial information.

Complicating matters is the frequency and the quick duration in which these illegal activities take place. We may not even realize that our credit cards or personal information has been stolen for days after the fact. Though, most credit cards holders have protection of lost or stolen cards the inconvenience and emotional anguish that we go through can be unbearable. We feel personally violated and vulnerable when our personal identity has been taken over by some imposter!

Remember that there are no exceptions to the vulnerabilities that we all have when it comes to identity theft. There are however, steps that we can take to greatly reduce the odds of our personal information being stolen.

Be careful about giving out personal information. Give this information out only when it is absolutely necessary, and only to a business or agency you know to be legitimate.

Be careful of what you dispose in the garbage. Personal documents that disclose vital information about you can easily end up in the hands of crooks.

Discard unwanted mail as soon as possible, particularly unsolicited credit applications.

Direct payments and benefit checks to bank accounts instead of them being mailed to your home.

Immediately report identity theft to your local law enforcement agency.

Remember that no body wants to fall prey to these con artists. Education and awareness are your best defenses in preventing these senseless crimes from happening to you. Take the TIME - prevent CRIME!

Address:
301 B Street
Washington, KS 66968

Phone:
785-325-2293

Fax:
785-325-2924