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How the BBB Senior Hotline Helps Prevent Scams and Fraud
In today’s fast-moving digital world, scams are becoming more sophisticated—and unfortunately, older adults are often targeted. From fake phone calls and phishing emails to deceptive home service offers, fraud can happen anywhere—even in a trusted community like Colorado Springs.
That’s why resources like the Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline exist: to empower seniors and their families with the knowledge and support needed to avoid scams and make safe, informed decisions.
Scammers frequently target older adults for a variety of reasons:
They may have accumulated savings or assets
They are often trusting and polite
They may be less familiar with evolving technology
But in a close-knit city like Colorado Springs—where community trust is strong and neighbors look out for one another—education and awareness can make a powerful difference.
Mary Owens of the Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline explains:
“Our mission is to give seniors the tools they need to recognize scams before they happen. Knowledge is the first line of defense.”
Understanding how scams work is the first step in avoiding them.
Scammers pretend to be:
Government agencies
Medicare representatives
Utility companies
They often pressure victims into providing personal information or making payments.
Victims receive calls or pop-ups claiming their computer is infected, prompting them to:
Grant remote access
Pay for unnecessary services
Seniors are told they’ve won a prize—but must pay fees or taxes upfront.
Fraudsters offer “urgent” repairs, often after storms, and request payment before completing work.
Online scammers build emotional relationships and eventually ask for money.
The Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline is a free resource dedicated to helping seniors avoid fraud and resolve concerns.
Scam prevention education
Assistance verifying businesses
Guidance on reporting fraud
Support for resolving consumer complaints
For residents near Colorado Springs, having access to a trusted organization like the Better Business Bureau can provide peace of mind.
Recognizing warning signs can prevent costly mistakes.
Urgent requests for payment or information
Requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers
Unsolicited calls or emails
Pressure to act immediately
If something feels off, it probably is.
Mary Owens adds:
“We always encourage seniors to pause and verify. Taking a moment to check can prevent a lifetime of regret.”
Simple precautions can go a long way in protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Never share personal or financial information with unknown callers
Verify businesses before making purchases or signing contracts
Use strong passwords and update them regularly
Discuss suspicious situations with family members
In Colorado Springs, community plays a vital role in protecting seniors.
Attend local workshops and seminars
Share information with friends and neighbors
Stay updated on new scam trends
A well-informed community is a safer community.
Acting quickly can minimize damage.
Stop all communication with the suspected scammer
Contact your bank or financial institution
Report the incident to the BBB Senior Hotline
Notify local authorities if necessary
The sooner action is taken, the better the outcome.
Families also play a critical role in protecting seniors.
Have open conversations about scams
Monitor financial activity when appropriate
Encourage verification before major decisions
The BBB Senior Hotline can also serve as a resource for caregivers seeking guidance.
The goal isn’t to create fear—it’s to build confidence. With the right knowledge, seniors can navigate today’s marketplace safely and independently.
Mary Owens emphasizes:
“We want seniors to feel empowered, not vulnerable. With the right information, they can make confident decisions and avoid becoming victims.”
Scams may be evolving, but so are the tools to fight them. With support from the Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline, seniors in Colorado Springs can stay informed, protected, and confident.
👉 Visit the Better Business Bureau Senior Hotline listing on Seniors Blue Book to learn more, access resources, and get support when you need it most.
1. Is the BBB Senior Hotline free to use?
Yes, the service is free and available to assist seniors and their families.
2. Can the BBB help verify a business?
Yes, you can check business ratings and reviews through the BBB.
3. What should I do if I already sent money to a scammer?
Contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the BBB and local authorities.
4. Are scams common in Colorado Springs?
Yes, like many cities, Colorado Springs sees a variety of scams targeting seniors.
5. Can caregivers use the hotline for advice?
Absolutely—the hotline is a valuable resource for both seniors and their families.
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
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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.