For more information about the author, click to view their website: Better Business Bureau- Senior Hotline
How to Stay Safe and Informed
In today’s digital world, scams are becoming more sophisticated—and unfortunately, seniors are often the primary targets. In Colorado Springs, reports of fraud, identity theft, and deceptive business practices continue to rise, affecting individuals and families both emotionally and financially.
Scammers use phone calls, emails, text messages, and even in-person tactics to gain trust and exploit vulnerabilities. For older adults, these scams can be especially damaging.
That’s where the Better Business Bureau – Senior Hotline, led by Mary Owens, plays a critical role in protecting the community.
“Education is the strongest defense against scams,” says Mary Owens. “When seniors know what to look for, they are far less likely to become victims.”
Scammers specifically target seniors for several reasons:
Understanding these factors helps families and seniors stay alert and proactive.
Knowing the most common scams is the first step in preventing them.
Scammers pose as government agencies, Medicare representatives, or even family members in distress. They often create urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly.
Fraudulent emails may appear legitimate, asking for personal information or directing recipients to fake websites.
Scammers may request Medicare numbers or offer fake services and benefits.
Victims are told they’ve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes upfront.
Fake pop-ups or calls claim a computer has a virus and request payment for unnecessary services.
Recognizing red flags can help prevent fraud before it happens.
“If something feels off, trust your instincts,” Mary advises. “It’s always better to pause and verify.”
The Better Business Bureau – Senior Hotline provides a trusted resource for seniors and families who have questions or concerns about potential scams.
This free resource empowers seniors to make informed decisions and stay protected.
Taking a few proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
These habits create a strong defense against common scams.
If you believe you’ve been targeted or scammed, taking immediate action is crucial.
Quick action can help minimize potential damage.
Family members play an important role in protecting seniors from scams.
“We encourage families to stay involved,” Mary says. “Communication is key to prevention.”
Colorado Springs is a vibrant and growing community, but like any city, it is not immune to scams. Staying informed and connected to local resources is essential for maintaining safety.
The Better Business Bureau – Senior Hotline is a valuable partner in protecting seniors across the region.
Scams can happen to anyone—but with the right knowledge and resources, they can be prevented.
If you or a loved one have questions about a suspicious situation or want to learn more about protecting yourself, the Better Business Bureau – Senior Hotline is here to help.
👉 Visit their Seniors Blue Book listing to connect with Mary Owens and access trusted support and information.
Yes, the hotline provides free resources and support for seniors and their families.
Yes, the BBB can provide information about businesses and their credibility.
Contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the BBB and other relevant authorities.
No, many scams are sophisticated and designed to appear legitimate, which is why education is important.
Regularly checking BBB resources and staying informed through trusted organizations can help you stay ahead of new threats.
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.