Consumer Fraud and the Elderly – Cleveland Elder Law Attorney

Every year over $40 billion is lost to consumer fraud. Sadly, over half of victims are senior citizens. Senior citizens tend to be more trusting, and are home with the time to talk to telemarketers that call. With a bit of planning, and by educating the seniors in your life, you can help protect them from financial ruin at the hands of a stranger.

There are common “buzz words” that are often associated with telemarketing scams. Listening for these phrases and knowing what to do when you hear them can protect you from devastating financial repercussions.

• You must act now before the offer expires
• There are only a limited number of the offer available
• You’ve won a free gift, vacation or prize
• The offer is “risk free”
• We just need your credit card number, bank account information or social security number to claim your prize

While these are just a few of the phrases scam artists will use, hopefully this gives you an idea of what to listen for when you receive an unusual call. It’s equally important to know your rights, as provided by federal law.

• Telemarketers may only call between the hours of 8am and 9pm
• If you have asked a telemarketer not to call, and they call back, they are breaking the law
• Telemarketers must tell you that it is a sales call, the name of the seller, and what they are selling… before they make a pitch.
• Should you choose to accept a telemarketer’s offer, they must tell you the full cost of the goods or service.

The safest practice for dealing with all telemarketers is to teach your elderly family members how to end a sales call. If they end the call, they can’t be scammed or sold something they don’t need, or can’t afford. Simple ways to end calls include:

• I don’t do business with people I don’t know.
• Please put me on your do not call list.
• I’m not interested. Thank you and good-bye.

If an offer is something he or she is interested in, or if it seems like it may be a legit contest prize, always request written information before committing or volunteering any personal information. A reputable telemarketing company or a legit prize award will have no objection to mailing details.