MAGNOLIA

CLIPPING SERVICE
(601) 856-0911 j (205) 758·'&610
NESHOBA DEMOCRAT

PHILADELPHIA, MS

Circulation = 7435

WEEKLY

1012112009
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Better Business Bureau offers

tips})n elder fraud prevention

/\,./

It is welJ known that elderly someone offering to do work or often perpetrated by mortgage
individuals rend to be more like­ provide a service. Check refer­ brokers. appraisers and home
ly to fall for scams. Even though ences and contact the BBB to contracts looking for a qukk
elder fraud often goes uoreport­ verify the reputation of busi­ buck.
ed, an estimated $40 billion+ is nesses unknown to you. '" Avoid health insurance
siolen in elder fraud activities • Reach out for help before scams by identifying red flags.
every year. investing or spending consider­ Beware of lucrative-sound­
"The phrase 'If it's too good able amounts of money. ing plans that are sold as being
to be true, it probably is' rings • Check with trusted individ­ great alternatives/supplements
true in many instances," said uals (financial advisor, family, to Medicare. Don't purchase any
Bill Monk. PresidentiCEO of the friend) before making any sig­ medical equipment that is not
Better Business Bureau Serving nificant lransfer for money or ordered/authorized by your
Mississippi. "Law enforcement shares. physician.
agencies often remark about the • Shted all bills, notices and • Bypass the "sucker list"
difficully in bringing elder fraud personal mail before thro'Wing altogether.
perpetrators to justice because them away. • Just hang up.
they are so prolific." "Dumpster diving" is a lucra­ In addition to tile Better
The BBB offers the follow­ tive activity for fraudstfrs, Don'\ Business Bureau. other sources
ing elder fraud prevention just throw paperwork away ­ of elder fraud information
checklist which should be shred it. include the National Consumer
reviewed often," Moak contin­ • Recognize predatory lend­ League Fmud Center, AARP.
ued. ing practices. and the Federal Trade
• Avoid sending money or Senior financial abuse is Commission.
providing personal financial
infonnation.
• Be cautious in disclosing
your bank, credit card and Social
Security numbers.
• Do nol speak at length with
people who are unfamiliar to
you.
• Decline answering ques­
tions of a private nature online,
on the telephone or at your door.
• Do not sign any documents
without reViewing them careful­
ly.
• Have a trusted family mem­
ber or friend review any docu­
roenl' before signing them.
• Verify all claims.
• Don't take the word of