For more information about the author, click to view their website: Better Business Bureau- Senior Hotline
A Practical Guide to Staying Safe and Informed
In today’s fast-paced digital world, scams are becoming more sophisticated—and unfortunately, seniors are often targeted. For families in Colorado Springs, protecting loved ones from fraud is an increasingly important part of maintaining independence and peace of mind.
The good news? You’re not alone. The Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline, led by Mary Owens, is dedicated to helping older adults recognize, avoid, and report scams—empowering them to stay safe and confident in their daily lives.
Scammers frequently target older adults for several reasons:
But being targeted doesn’t mean being vulnerable. With the right knowledge and resources, seniors can protect themselves effectively.
Understanding the most common scams is the first step toward prevention.
Fraudsters may pose as government agencies, Medicare representatives, or even family members in distress.
Phishing emails and fake websites attempt to steal personal information or financial details.
Scammers may offer counterfeit medical supplies, home services, or “too good to be true” deals.
Personal information is used to open accounts or make unauthorized purchases.
Fraudsters build emotional relationships online to gain trust and request money.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Senior Hotline is a trusted resource that provides:
“Our goal is to empower seniors with the information they need to protect themselves,” says Mary Owens. “A simple conversation can prevent a costly mistake.”
This service is especially valuable in communities like Colorado Springs, where many seniors live independently and stay active online.
Colorado Springs is a vibrant and growing city with a strong senior population. While this creates a wonderful community environment, it also means increased exposure to scams—especially as more services move online.
Local seniors often:
Being aware of potential risks is key to staying protected.
Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and confusion. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid falling victim.
If something feels off, it’s worth taking a moment to verify before responding.
Staying safe doesn’t require technical expertise—just a few practical habits.
These steps can significantly reduce the risk of fraud.
Even the most cautious individuals can encounter scams. If you think you’ve been targeted:
Taking quick action can help minimize damage and prevent others from being affected.
Families play a crucial role in protecting loved ones from scams.
Helpful steps include:
Working together creates a stronger safety net.
Beyond financial loss, scams can have a significant emotional impact. Victims may feel:
The BBB Senior Hotline provides not only information but also reassurance—helping individuals regain confidence and peace of mind.
Education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing fraud. By staying informed and vigilant, seniors can continue to enjoy independence without fear.
In a community like Colorado Springs, where connection and quality of life matter, protecting that independence is essential.
You don’t have to navigate today’s complex scam landscape alone. With the support of the Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline, you can stay informed, protected, and confident.
👉 Visit the Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline’s Seniors Blue Book listing to learn more and access trusted resources for scam prevention.
Hang up and verify the caller’s identity through official channels before taking any action.
Yes—reporting helps prevent others from becoming victims.
Yes, especially through email and social media, but awareness can reduce risk.
Have open conversations and encourage them to verify suspicious contacts.
Yes, the BBB Senior Hotline is available to provide guidance and support.
When an older adult needs help at home and sees several clinicians, a coverage decision can affect everything from prescription refills to rides. If youre considering TRU PACE in Lafayette, start by asking how enrollment would change the care and coverage you already use. How Medicare and Medicaid Fit Into PACEPACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It coordinates healthcare and support for eligible adults who meet a state standard for nursing home-level care and can live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Applicants must also be 55 or older and live in the programs service area. TRU PACE and Your Current CoveragePhone: 303-665-0115Medicare says people with Medicaid pay no monthly PACE premium. Medicare beneficiaries without Medicaid pay premiums for the long-term care portion and Medicare Part D drugs. Medicare also says participants owe no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for drugs, services, or care approved by their PACE team. Ask TRU PACE for an estimate based on your individual coverage before enrolling. Doctors, Prescriptions, and Existing ServicesTRU PACE says it becomes the participants insurance provider at enrollment. Participants generally receive care through the programs provider network. Bring a list of your doctors, medications, and scheduled services. Ask which providers are in the network and how the team would coordinate any changes. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf you regularly see a clinician near home or have a specialist visit scheduled outside Lafayette, give the enrollment team the names and dates. Ask which appointments can continue and what to do about any refill due around the enrollment date. How to Get Started1. Gather Your Coverage InformationHave your Medicare and Medicaid information, if applicable, along with details of any current plan. List the appointments and prescriptions you rely on most.2. Ask for an Enrollment and Cost ReviewCall TRU PACE and ask for your expected monthly cost, when any coverage change would take effect, and who would help coordinate the transition. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesPACE Adult Day Services Care Management
After a death, families may have to make several decisions in a short time. Others prefer to talk through their wishes ahead of time. In either situation, it helps to separate the practical arrangements from the decisions about how to gather, remember, and say goodbye. What Funeral and Mortuary Services CoverA funeral home can help arrange transportation and care of the person who died, assist with paperwork, and coordinate burial or cremation. A family may also arrange a viewing, funeral, memorial, or private gathering. Ask which decisions need to be made immediately and which can wait. The Natural Funeral in LafayettePhone: 720-515-2344The Natural Funeral lists natural burial, flame cremation, water cremation, and terramation, also called natural organic reduction. Water cremation uses an alkaline water process, and terramation transforms remains into soil. If one of these options interests you, ask what the process involves, how long it typically takes, and what the family receives afterward. Planning a Gathering and Reviewing CostsThe Lafayette funeral home is at 102 W Chester Street in Old Town. Ask what can take place at the Lafayette location and which parts would involve another venue or a cemetery. Request a General Price List and a written breakdown of your choices so you can see which fees cover the funeral homes work and which come from outside providers. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf relatives are coming from out of town or some guests have limited mobility, ask about parking, step-free access, and how many people the gathering space can accommodate. If you plan to hold a service and burial at different locations, check how much time guests will need between them. How to Get Started1. Write Down the Persons WishesLook for written instructions and note any cultural or religious preferences. If youre planning ahead, tell a trusted person where you keep your instructions and whom to call.2. Ask for a Written PlanCall 720-515-2344 and ask what is needed on the first call. Once youve discussed options, request the expected timeline and itemized costs before approving arrangements. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCounseling Hospice Advance Care Planning
When an older adult spends most weekdays alone, families may need more than a place for them to go. They may also be juggling transportation, appointments, and help at home. TRU PACE in Lafayette offers a day center as part of a program that coordinates those needs for eligible older adults. What Are Adult Day Services?Adult day services offer daytime support outside the home. Depending on the program, participants may spend time with peers, eat a meal, take part in activities, or receive help with daily needs. Some centers accept people directly. The Lafayette TRU PACE center serves people enrolled in its broader Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. TRU PACE in LafayettePhone: 303-665-0115TRU PACEs Lafayette center is at 2593 Park Lane. The program coordinates medical and social services and arranges transportation to the day center and medical visits as needed. Ask the enrollment team what a typical center day includes, how often a participant might attend, and how the team decides what support to arrange at home. Who May QualifyPACE applicants must be at least 55, live in the programs service area, meet the states standard for nursing home-level care, and be able to live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Ask how enrollment would affect access to current doctors and prescription coverage before making a decision. Why This Matters in LafayetteWhen family members already drive someone to several appointments a week, a coordinated schedule can change who needs to be available and when. Ask how pickup would work at the persons Lafayette address and who to call if a ride or appointment changes. How to Get Started1. Ask for an Eligibility ReviewCall TRU PACE. Have the participants ZIP code, current coverage, and a short list of the help they need. 2. Ask to Visit the CenterFind out what the participant might do on a center day, how transportation works, and what changes to their current care arrangements enrollment would involve. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCare Management Transportation Respite Care
Since August of 1980, Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado has helped consumers find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. It serves 25 counties throughout Southern Colorado. BBB of Southern Colorado sets standards for marketplace trust to create acommunity of dependable businesses and charities by encouraging and supporting best practices, educating consumers and businesses, celebrating business role models, and calling out and addressing substandard marketplace behavior. BBB of Southern Colorado housesover 23,000 reviews on companies in the region. Trust has never been more important. Better Business Bureau continues to be your best resource for identifying trustworthy businesses. We actively review and accredit trustworthy online retailers, contractors, and businesses.Before hiring a contractor or making a purchase, look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal and Age-Friendly Business Sign on vendors websites and search our database at BBB.org to find businesses that have earned TrustNow you can easily find BBB Accredited Businesses in the Seniors Blue Book. Look for the BBB Torch next to business listings and Start With Trust.Look For The Sign the next time you are searching for a trusted business. BBB Certified Age-Friendly Businesses are committed to supporting senior needs by following age-friendly practices in customer experience, physical environment, staffing and marketing.