Criminals like preying on the weak and vulnerable. This means that the elderly are often a target of scammers and other criminals. They prey on elderly with complex schemes that try to get the elderly to pay them money. One way that they do this is by attempting to convince retirees that they owe some sort of debt that they do no. Here are some of the things that they do to try to get money with fake debt scams.

Targeting the Vulnerable

As terrible as it sounds, many times scammers will look through the obituaries for surviving spouses. They know that when experiencing the death of a spouse, many people become emotionally compromised and are not thinking straight. They will call up and claim some debt that is owed by their spouse. Often these will come in the form of medical debts. Care must be taken when a debt holder calls claiming a debt for a recently deceased loved one. Ask for the debt in writing and proof of the debt before giving out any payment information.

Threats of Garnishment

Garnishment is a typical threat that these scammers will use. The problem is, private debts cannot be a source of garnishment for Social Security income. There are some things that the benefits could be garnished for such as student loans or alimony. Private debts are not one of them.

Harassment and Intimidation

People respond to harassment and criminals know this. This is why they will resort to calling at all hours of the day and night. Along with these tactics they will also threaten legal action or other unspecific consequences that will happen if the debt isn’t paid. Legitimate debt collectors will not do this, and it is an indication of a scam.

For legal assistance for elder abuse, contact Stano Law group.