Phone Scams Just Keep Coming: Homecare Agencies Offer Advice

Scammers seem to be everywhere, and they are constantly looking for opportunities to take advantage of vulnerable citizens, including the less tech-savvy and the more trusting. Your mother or father may fall into these categories, and you should be aware of the risk that these scammer pose. You can get help from homecare agencies near you, but we also have some tips you can follow at home.

Phone scams are some of the most common scams that older adults face. Scammers may call your parent and pose as a member of a bank, a charity, or a government agency. Since there is no immediate way for your parent to verify the caller’s identity, they may just trust the caller. These scammers may threaten your loved one with fees or jail time, and demand immediate payment. Homecare agencies suggest that you can usually detect if a caller is legitimate by asking for their information. If your parent or a caregiver has a computer handy, they can verify the business name and address on Google. Many scammers aren’t willing to provide any real information, and this can give them away.

In addition, scammers looking for money don’t usually want payment through conventional means – such as an online portal or a mailed check. If an unknown caller asks your parent for a money order or a wire transfer, they should hang up the phone immediately.

Some scammers try to get personal information. Credit card numbers and social security numbers are some of the most common products. Beware of salespeople peddling miracle health products and fake government employees that need your social security number over the phone. Your loved one should avoid giving their personal information over the phone if at all possible.

One easy way your loved one can avoid unnecessary calls is to sign up for the National Do Not Call registry. Your loved one can sign up by calling (888) 382-1222 or by visiting https://www.donotcall.gov/. By following these tips and getting some help from homecare agencies like Visiting Angels, your loved one can stay safe in a world of phone scams.

Visiting Angels of Auburn, NH provides in home care services to families in Auburn, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Dunbarton, Londonderry, Raymond, Salem, Manchester, Hooksett, Bedford, Suncook, Weare, Concord, Bow, Atkinson, Deerfield, Sandown, Hampstead, Chester, Fremont, Allenstown, Pembroke, Hopkinton, Danville, and other areas around Auburn, New Hampshire.