Protect Yourself from Senior Scams

Author

Medical Guardian

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Medical Guardian

Posted on

Jan 09, 2025

Book/Edition

National

share-this
Share This

We live in an incredible age. Technology, like the internet and mobile telephones, has created amazing opportunities for us stay informed about current events, to correspond with family members and even to view the latest pictures of our grandchildren while they’re away at summer camp. The internet is an exciting place. But would it surprise you to learn that senior citizens are among the fastest-growing groups of internet users in the United States?

Research conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 67 percent of adults over the age of 65 spend time online. That’s an astonishing increase compared to the 14 percent of seniors who reported using the internet in 2000. As seniors today are adopting technology in greater numbers, many remain highly vulnerable to deception—which is why online senior safety education should be a top priority.

Elder Fraud Can Happen To Anyone

Con-artists prey on seniors, who aren’t always familiar with the latest tricks they employ to approach their victims. Some of these elder fraud scams have been identified, such as telemarketing ploys, internet fraud, investment schemes, and lottery fraud. But scammers continue to find new ways to prey on seniors and others who are vulnerable online.

In fact, perhaps one of the most well-publicized scams was back in 2016 during the Presidential election. John Podesta, the campaign manager for Hillary Clinton, fell prey to a common online scam called phishing. He was sent an email that looked like it was from Gmail asking for his password, but it was really a link to a third-party site that was hoping he would click on it in order to steal his data. If he had looked closely at who was sending the email, he would have noticed that the email address used was bogus. If it had been real, the email would have come from someone at google.com, but instead, it was sent from someone at googlemail.com. It’s a small detail to notice, which is why John Podesta fell for it.

The good news is that you don’t have to stop using your phone or computer to protect yourself against elder fraud. You simply need to know what to look out for.

Online Safety For Seniors

Education and awareness is the first step in maintaining safety, online, and in-person. Here are a few tips to help protect yourself from scammers:

Trust Your Suspicion

If something seems fishy, it probably is. Don’t let an aggressive scammer talk you out of your first instinct. With telemarketing scams, in particular, the caller may pose as a credit card company representative, a bank employee or even your own grandchild. If you don’t recognize the voice of the person on the other end of the line or if you don’t have an account with the company that he or she claims to represent, don’t hesitate to voice your suspicion. If the person on the other end is who he or she claims to be, they should be able to prove it to you. If they can’t, just hang up as it is probably an elder fraud scheme.

Don’t Be Pressured

One tactic that a lot of scammers will use is to pressure you with a sense of urgency. For instance, an article in Keloland tells of an 86-year old man who was harassed by a caller claiming to be his grandson. In this case, the scammer attempted to convince the would-be victim to wire him bail money for release from an international jail. The perpetrator attempted to convince the well-meaning senior that his situation was urgent and his need for money was immediate. Fortunately, the perpetrator, in this case, failed to make a convincing case. But other seniors have been less fortunate and fallen for an elder fraud plot. Don’t let an aggressive email or phone call pressure you into making a costly mistake.

Ask Questions

The last thing a scammer wants to do is answer a lot of questions. Any time you receive a phone call or an email from an unfamiliar source, you have a right and a responsibility to learn more. If the individual claims to be a customer service representative, ask for more information about the company. Ask for the caller’s Customer Service ID number. Ask to speak with a supervisor. Ask if there’s a number that you can use to reach the caller after you’ve done a little research. Ask as many questions as you possibly can. Ultimately, the more questions you ask, the more uncomfortable the scammer will become. In the end, the way that the individual answers these questions will either remove your suspicions or help you to uncover the caller’s true intentions.

Talk to Somebody You Trust

If you receive a suspicious email or phone call, seek out a trusted family member, friend or even a bank employee for advice. Tell somebody else about the contents of the suspicious correspondence and get a second opinion. Before you respond, and especially before you open up your checkbook, consult somebody close to you. Sometimes, the warning signs are easier to spot when you have help.

Keep Private Information Private

Never, ever give away critical personal information to a random caller or email correspondent. It’s critical to senior safety to keep that information private. Only scammers will contact you and ask for your bank account number, your social security number or a credit or debit card number. Your bank or credit card company will never contact you and ask for this information over the phone or by email. If somebody that you don’t know asks for this critical information, simply refuse and cease contact.

Senior Safety Online And At Home

A medical alert device can protect you from more than just medical emergencies. Here at Medical Guardian, we’ve had clients call into our monitoring center for a variety of reasons—a home invasion, a fire, or even if you’re experiencing harassment from a senior scammer. When it comes to senior safety, a medical alert system is an all-purpose way to remain protected offline, or online.

 

Other Articles You May Like

Sleep & Aging: How to Get More and Better Sleep

As winter approaches and the days get shorter, you may envision yourself entering a hibernation period of sortssleeping for longer periods and more soundly. However, for many people, the same sleep struggles that plague them during the summer persist throughout the winter. They may get worse because there is less daytime light.It is normal for your sleep patterns to change as you age. However, if youre chronically struggling to fall asleep at night or to stay asleep, it could negatively impact your health. Read on to learn actionable ways to get better sleep, including routines to follow if youre not getting enough sleep.How Your Sleep Changes With AgeSleep is a vital activity in every stage of life; however, how your body processes its horizontal hours fluctuates as you age. According to the Sleep Foundation, the aging process comes with changes in the hormones that drive your bodys circadian clock. You may find that you feel tired at different points during the day, shifting your schedule to falling asleep earlier in the day and waking up earlier in the morning. You may experience more nighttime awakenings (experts note that older people wake up three to four times each night, on average) and fewer periods of deep sleep. You may also get less exposure to daytime light as you age, which can affect your sleep hormones and quality of sleep.How Much Sleep Should You Be Getting?All of the changes in sleep that come with aging can impact the number of total hours that you sleep each day. However, its important to know that the National Sleep Foundation still recommends seven to eight hours of nightly sleep for adults over age 65. Its important to keep an eye on your sleep habits and try to reach this target because sleep is an important part of your overall health. Researchers have shown that getting less sleep is linked to a higher likelihood of chronic disease, particularly if you are getting five or fewer hours.How to Get Better Sleep as You AgeWhen you cant sleep, it can feel defeating. You may want to make a change in your daily routine but then struggle to have the energy to do so. Luckily, you can take many simple, actionable steps to get better sleep as an aging adult. This includes things you can do during the day to prepare your body to sleep better at night and also things you can do during your bedtime routine. Taken together, all of these healthy habits are known as sleep hygiene.According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are the top sleep hygiene actions you can take to improve your daily routine and nightly slumber:Stay consistent with your sleep. This means that you should set a regular bedtime and wake-up time for yourself that does not vary daily, including on the weekends. Avoiding daytime naps can also help you sleep for longer periods at night.Exercise during the day. Exercise can help your body properly tire out and make it easier for you to fall asleep at night. Exercise is especially helpful if you are outside and exposed to natural sunlight because research has shown that light exposure during the day can decrease nighttime awakenings in older adults.Avoid consuming the top insomnia culprits. Drinking caffeine late in the day, drinking alcohol, and eating big meals before bed can all rob you of quality sleep.Keep your bedroom quiet and dark. Your sleeping space should be simple, without distracting computers, TVs, or other electronic devices.The experts at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) also emphasize the importance of reducing your fluid intake before going to bed, as having to get up frequently during the night to use the restroom can disrupt your quality of sleep. Its also important to avoid trying to force sleep. AASM experts note that you should only go to bed if youre actually sleepy, and that you should get out of bed and do a quiet activity (without screens or light exposure) if you havent fallen asleep after 20 minutes.What to Do if Youre Not Getting Enough SleepSleep changes are a natural part of aging, but chronic sleep deprivation is not inevitable. In fact, chronic insomnia can interfere with your mood and your energy level, and it can even increase your risk of falls. If youre worried, youre not getting enough sleep, you may benefit from keeping a sleep journal that documents your daily routine. Take note of the nights that you sleep better (documenting your activities and when you consumed specific foods and drinks), as well as the nights that sleep is more difficult. Use the above tips to modify your sleep routine and, if youre still struggling after these tweaks, make sure to check in with your medical doctor. At Medical Guardian, we understand the importance of sleep when it comes to your overall quality of life. Our top-rated medical alert systems can provide several benefits to keep you well, including fall prevention (protection even when you sleep). To learn more, contact us today.

Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis? Don't Wait Until It's Too Late!

As we age, our bones become more brittle and susceptible to fractures, and for some, this can lead to the condition known as osteoporosis. It's important to assess your bone health, understand your risk factors for weakened or broken bones, and take action now to prevent or manage the condition. In this blog post, we have gathered valuable insights from American Bone Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about bone health and providing guidance on safeguarding your bones. Join us as we delve into the crucial topics of osteoporosis, including risk factors, prevention strategies, and effective management techniques. Discover actionable steps to maintain healthy and strong bones, ensuring a resilient skeletal system throughout your life. What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, which can lead to fractures. Age, gender, and family history are all important risk factors for osteoporosis. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition, and the risk increases as we age. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, you may be more susceptible to this condition. There are steps we can take to prevent or manage osteoporosis. Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones. Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises like walking or dancing, can also help to keep your bones strong. Everyoneat every ageshould talk with their healthcare provider about their bone health.  If you or a loved one is at risk for osteoporosis, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened and tested. For those who are diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are medications and other treatments available that can help manage this condition and reduce the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is also associated with an increased risk of falling. Along with exercises and fall prevention techniques, a medical alert device can ensure that you can get help quickly if needed and mitigate further impact to your bone health. At Medical Guardian we offer a range of devices and services to help you stay safe and independent. If you let one of our safety consultants know you have or are at risk for Osteoporosis, we can help you find the best device for your lifestyle.   What is Osteopenia?Osteopenia is a condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. Essentially, it's a precursor to osteoporosis. While osteopenia is not as severe as osteoporosis, it is still a concern because it can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. Osteopenia can occasionally be more difficult to manage than osteoporosis as it often goes undetected and untreated. Unlike osteoporosis, which is typically diagnosed using a bone mineral density test, osteopenia may not be detected until a fracture occurs. By the time osteopenia is diagnosed, bone loss may have already progressed, making it more difficult to treat. Osteopenia is more common than osteoporosis and affects a larger population of people, including younger individuals. This means that there may be a greater number of people with undiagnosed osteopenia who are at risk for developing osteoporosis and fractures. It's important to take steps to prevent and manage bone loss. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Get enough calcium and vitamin D  Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining strong bones, so make sure you're getting enough of both in your diet. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Vitamin D is produced in the body when skin is exposed to sunlight, but it can also be found in fatty fish and fortified foods. Exercise regularly  Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, dancing, or lifting weights can help build and maintain bone density. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Quit smoking  Smoking is bad for your bones, as well as your overall health. Smoking has been linked to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures, so quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Limit alcohol consumption  Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and limit your intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Be mindful of medications  Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some anticonvulsants, can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential side effects of any medications you're taking and discuss alternatives if necessary. By making these simple lifestyle changes, you can help protect your bone health and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis and osteopenia. If you're concerned about your bone health, take the American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator. You can see your results right away and then take them to your healthcare provider to start a conversation about additional steps to maintain strong bones.  Click here to take the quiz: AmericanBoneHealth.org/frcmedguardianFor more information about bone health, visit AmericanBoneHealth.org  

Staying Active with Medical Guardian: Your Partner in Motion

Staying active isnt just about exerciseits about embracing life with confidence, joy, and independence. Whether youre heading out for a morning walk, rock climbing with friends, or simply tackling the errands and adventures of everyday life, Medical Guardian is here as your constant companion, empowering you to live life without limits. Think of Medical Guardian as your trusty carabiner while scaling new heights. Like a rock climber relies on their equipment for safety and peace of mind, our devices are designed to keep you connected to care, ensuring help is always within reach, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Whether youre exploring a new trail or enjoying your favorite hobby, you can stay focused on the experience, with the peace of mind knowing that your safety net is right by your side. Your Safety Net for Every Adventure From solo hikes to bustling family gatherings, life is full of moments where ensuring youre covered in case of an accident. Medical Guardian acts as your safety net, offering features like 24/7 monitoring and optional fall detection. With a simple press of a button, help is always available, so you can spend less time worrying and more time savoring the moments that matter. Our devices are lightweight, wearable, and designed for all lifestyles. Whether you prefer a sleek pendant, a discreet wristband, or a pocket-sized option, theres a Medical Guardian solution that fits seamlessly into your routinejust like a seatbelt on lifes ride, always there to protect you when you need it. Live Life Without Limits Medical Guardian isnt just about safety; its about enhancing your freedom. Want to explore your neighborhoods new yoga class? Go for it. How about a day at the park with your grandkids? Weve got you covered. With on-the-go GPS tracking and wireless connectivity, you can stay active wherever life takes you, knowing youre always connected to care. Our fall detection technology provides extra reassurance, automatically alerting our monitoring center if a fall is detected. Its like having a safety cushion that activates only when you need it, letting you move confidently and independently. More Than a Device: Your Care Companion Medical Guardian is more than just a medical alert systemits your partner in wellness. Its the assurance that someone is there, ready to support you, whether youre biking through the countryside or baking cookies in your kitchen. Our devices allow you to focus on what you love, with the peace of mind that help is only a button press away. Stay Active, Stay Empowered An active lifestyle is about more than staying fitits about staying engaged, connected, and fulfilled. With Medical Guardian by your side, you can embrace every opportunity to move, explore, and enjoy life. So go ahead: Take that dance class, stroll through your favorite museum, or hike that walking trail through your neighborhood. Medical Guardian is your constant companion, ensuring that no matter where life takes you, youre supported every step of the way.  Live confidently, move freely, and let Medical Guardian be your guide to an active life well-lived. Ready to explore all the ways we can support your active lifestyle? Visit Medical Guardian to learn more. 

Local Services By This Author

Medical Guardian | Medical Alert Systems

Medical Devices 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103

As a trusted leader in personal safety and medical alert systems, Medical Guardian has been empowering seniors and their families for over two decades. With a mission to provide safety, security, and peace of mind, Medical Guardian offers state-of-the-art solutions that enable seniors to maintain independence while staying connected to immediate help whenever needed.Who We AreFounded on the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe at home and on the go, Medical Guardian has grown into one of the most recognized names in the personal emergency response industry. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and reliability, we are committed to delivering products and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors nationwide.Our Solutions: Tailored for Every LifestyleMedical Guardian understands that no two lifestyles are the same, which is why we provide a wide range of medical alert systems to meet unique needs. From home-based devices to on-the-go wearable technology, our solutions are designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Key offerings include:In-Home Medical Alert SystemsPerfect for seniors who spend most of their time at home, these systems provide 24/7 monitoring through easy-to-use base stations and wearable help buttons. With features like fall detection and two-way communication, help is always just a button press away.Mobile Medical Alert SystemsFor active seniors, our mobile systems offer GPS tracking and nationwide coverage, ensuring safety wherever life takes you. These portable devices are lightweight and discreet, providing peace of mind without compromising mobility.Wearable TechnologyCombining functionality with style, our wearable devices include medical alert watches and pendants equipped with cutting-edge technology. These devices are not only lifesaving tools but also fashionable accessories that integrate seamlessly into any wardrobe.Fall Detection TechnologyFalls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors. Medical Guardians advanced fall detection sensors can automatically alert our monitoring center in case of a fall, even if the user is unable to press the button.Caregiver ToolsMedical Guardians products are complemented by innovative caregiver tools, such as activity tracking and location monitoring, to keep loved ones informed and reassured.PERS Solutions for Senior Living CommunitiesMedical Guardian proudly partners with senior living communities to provide Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) tailored specifically to the unique needs of Affordable Housing, Independent Living, and Assisted Living environments.Our solutions are designed to increase resident safety, empower staff with reliable tools, and deliver added value to your community. By integrating Medical Guardians systems, senior living communities can enhance their reputation as safety-focused environments while offering peace of mind to residents and their families.With flexible plans, seamless integration, and ongoing support, Medical Guardian makes it easy for senior living operators to implement top-tier safety solutions for their residents.Commitment to ExcellenceAt Medical Guardian, safety is more than a productits a promise. Our U.S.-based monitoring centers are staffed by highly trained professionals who are ready to respond within seconds of an alert. With multiple monitoring centers, we ensure redundancy and reliability, so no call goes unanswered.Each product undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Additionally, our customer care team is available to guide families and senior living communities through every step, from choosing the right device to troubleshooting and technical support.Why Choose Medical Guardian?National Reach, Local Care: While Medical Guardian serves clients nationwide, our services are personalized to meet the needs of each individual and their community.Proactive Safety Solutions: Our devices go beyond emergency response, offering proactive monitoring and tools that support overall well-being.Affordable Plans: We believe safety should be accessible to everyone, which is why we provide flexible and affordable plans without hidden fees.Trusted by Millions: With thousands of 5-star reviews and endorsements from leading senior-focused organizations, Medical Guardian is a name families and communities can rely on.Empowering IndependenceSeniors face many challenges as they age, but losing independence doesnt have to be one of them. Medical Guardians medical alert systems are designed to empower seniors to live life on their terms, with the freedom to pursue their passions and the confidence that help is always within reach.Whether youre a senior seeking greater independence, a caregiver looking for peace of mind, or a senior living community exploring safety solutions, Medical Guardian is here to support you every step of the way.For more information, visit MedicalGuardian.com or call 1-800-734-2092 to speak with a representative.

Medical Guardian | Medical Alert Devices

Assistive Devices 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103

As a trusted leader in personal safety and medical alert systems, Medical Guardian has been empowering seniors and their families for over two decades. With a mission to provide safety, security, and peace of mind, Medical Guardian offers state-of-the-art solutions that enable seniors to maintain independence while staying connected to immediate help whenever needed.Who We AreFounded on the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe at home and on the go, Medical Guardian has grown into one of the most recognized names in the personal emergency response industry. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and reliability, we are committed to delivering products and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors nationwide.Our Solutions: Tailored for Every LifestyleMedical Guardian understands that no two lifestyles are the same, which is why we provide a wide range of medical alert systems to meet unique needs. From home-based devices to on-the-go wearable technology, our solutions are designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Key offerings include:In-Home Medical Alert SystemsPerfect for seniors who spend most of their time at home, these systems provide 24/7 monitoring through easy-to-use base stations and wearable help buttons. With features like fall detection and two-way communication, help is always just a button press away.Mobile Medical Alert SystemsFor active seniors, our mobile systems offer GPS tracking and nationwide coverage, ensuring safety wherever life takes you. These portable devices are lightweight and discreet, providing peace of mind without compromising mobility.Wearable TechnologyCombining functionality with style, our wearable devices include medical alert watches and pendants equipped with cutting-edge technology. These devices are not only lifesaving tools but also fashionable accessories that integrate seamlessly into any wardrobe.Fall Detection TechnologyFalls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors. Medical Guardians advanced fall detection sensors can automatically alert our monitoring center in case of a fall, even if the user is unable to press the button.Caregiver ToolsMedical Guardians products are complemented by innovative caregiver tools, such as activity tracking and location monitoring, to keep loved ones informed and reassured.PERS Solutions for Senior Living CommunitiesMedical Guardian proudly partners with senior living communities to provide Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) tailored specifically to the unique needs of Affordable Housing, Independent Living, and Assisted Living environments.Our solutions are designed to increase resident safety, empower staff with reliable tools, and deliver added value to your community. By integrating Medical Guardians systems, senior living communities can enhance their reputation as safety-focused environments while offering peace of mind to residents and their families.With flexible plans, seamless integration, and ongoing support, Medical Guardian makes it easy for senior living operators to implement top-tier safety solutions for their residents.Commitment to ExcellenceAt Medical Guardian, safety is more than a productits a promise. Our U.S.-based monitoring centers are staffed by highly trained professionals who are ready to respond within seconds of an alert. With multiple monitoring centers, we ensure redundancy and reliability, so no call goes unanswered.Each product undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Additionally, our customer care team is available to guide families and senior living communities through every step, from choosing the right device to troubleshooting and technical support.Why Choose Medical Guardian?National Reach, Local Care: While Medical Guardian serves clients nationwide, our services are personalized to meet the needs of each individual and their community.Proactive Safety Solutions: Our devices go beyond emergency response, offering proactive monitoring and tools that support overall well-being.Affordable Plans: We believe safety should be accessible to everyone, which is why we provide flexible and affordable plans without hidden fees.Trusted by Millions: With thousands of 5-star reviews and endorsements from leading senior-focused organizations, Medical Guardian is a name families and communities can rely on.Empowering IndependenceSeniors face many challenges as they age, but losing independence doesnt have to be one of them. Medical Guardians medical alert systems are designed to empower seniors to live life on their terms, with the freedom to pursue their passions and the confidence that help is always within reach.Whether youre a senior seeking greater independence, a caregiver looking for peace of mind, or a senior living community exploring safety solutions, Medical Guardian is here to support you every step of the way.For more information, visit MedicalGuardian.com or call 1-800-734-2092 to speak with a representative.