Elder Fraud and Scams: A Growing Problem and How to Protect YourselfAs our population ages, elder fraud and scams have become an increasingly serious problem. Seniors are often targeted by scammers because they are seen as vulnerable and more trusting, making them easy targets for fraudsters who prey on their emotions and vulnerabilities. Elder fraud and scams can lead to devastating financial consequences for seniors and their families, leaving many in dire financial straits. In this article, we will discuss the growing problem of elder fraud and scams, some statistics surrounding the issue, the most common scams, how to prevent them, and how to report fraud in Texas.The Growing Problem of Elder Fraud and ScamsElder fraud and scams are a growing problem, with more and more seniors falling victim to scams every year. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers over the age of 60 filed more than 143,000 fraud reports in 2020, with a total reported loss of more than $621 million. This represents a significant increase in the number of fraud reports filed by seniors over the past decade, indicating a growing problem.Most Common Scams Targeting SeniorsThere are many different types of scams that target seniors, but some are more common than others. The following are some of the most common scams targeting seniors:1.     Tech Support Scams: Scammers will call or email seniors claiming to be tech support personnel from a reputable company, such as Microsoft or Apple. They will then claim that there is a problem with the senior's computer and ask for remote access to fix the issue. Once they gain access to the computer, they can steal personal information or install malware.2.     Grandparent Scams: Scammers will call seniors posing as their grandchild, claiming to be in trouble and in need of money. They will ask the senior to wire money or purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers to the scammer.3.     Sweepstakes Scams: Scammers will call or send mail to seniors claiming that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery. They will ask for payment of taxes or fees before releasing the winnings, but the winnings never materialize.4.     Medicare Scams: Scammers will call seniors claiming to be Medicare representatives and ask for personal information, such as their Social Security number, in order to send them a new Medicare card. They will then use this information to commit identity theft. Scammers may use a sense of urgency to try to pressure the elderly into making quick decisions. They may threaten legal action or claim that they are from a government agency, such as the IRS, in an attempt to scare the elderly into giving them money or personal information.Preventing Elder Fraud and ScamsTo prevent elder fraud and scams, there are several steps that elderly individuals and their loved ones can take. 1.     Never give out personal information over the phone or via email unless you are certain that the request is legitimate.2.     Do not wire money or send gift cards to anyone who calls or emails you asking for money.3.     Verify any requests for personal information or money by calling the company directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.4.     Do not click on links or download attachments from emails or websites you do not trust.5.     Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive.6.     Be wary of unsolicited phone calls or emails that ask for personal information or money. Overall, elder fraud and scams are a growing problem that is impacting thousands of elderly individuals across the country. By educating oneself about the different types of scams and taking steps to prevent them, elderly individuals and their loved ones can protect themselves from becoming victims. Reporting scams to the appropriate authorities is an important step in preventing further fraud and holding scammers accountable for their actions. Elder fraud and scams are a growing problem, and seniors need to take steps to protect themselves.  Reporting Elder Fraud and Scams in Texas If an elderly individual believes that they have been the victim of a scam, it is important to report it immediately. In Texas, individuals can report fraud or scams to the Texas Attorney General's office or to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Reporting scams is important not only to prevent further fraud, but also to help law enforcement investigate and bring scammers to justice.Here are the steps to report elder fraud and scams in Texas:1.     Contact local law enforcement: If you suspect that an elder is being scammed or defrauded, the first step is to call the local police department or sheriff's office. You can also call 911 if the situation is an emergency. The police will take your report and investigate the matter. 2.     Contact Adult Protective Services (APS): If the elder is a vulnerable adult or has a disability, you can contact APS to report the fraud or scam. APS is a state agency that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. You can contact the Texas Adult Protective Services (APS) Central Intake by phone at 1-800-252-5400 or online at https://www.txabusehotline.org/Login/Default.aspx. 3.     Contact the Texas Attorney General's office: If the scam or fraud involves a business or company, you can contact the Texas Attorney General's office. The office has a Consumer Protection Division that investigates consumer complaints and takes legal action against businesses that engage in fraudulent practices. You can file a complaint online at the Attorney General's website. Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by phone at 1-800-621-0508 or online at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint. 4.     Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is a federal agency that investigates consumer fraud and identity theft. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report fraud and scams by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or online at https://www.ftc.gov/complaint. 5.     Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB): If the fraud or scam involves a business, you can also contact the BBB. The BBB collects complaints about businesses and works with them to resolve consumer issues. You can file a complaint online at the BBB's website.  It's important to note that reporting elder fraud and scams can help prevent others from becoming victims. If you suspect that someone you know is being scammed or defrauded, encourage them to report it as soon as possible. Additional Resources to Prevent or Address Elder Abuse in the Greater Dallas DFW Area Elder Financial Safety CenterThe Senior SourceAdult Protective ServicesTexas Attorney GeneralAARPMcNair Dallas LawteleCalm  Author: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwbsnrn/

Approximately (1%) of U.S. real estate agents have earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation from the National Association of Realtors. A Realtor who has earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation has completed exclusive training on a wide range of issues that can impact real estate transactions when the client(s) are ages 50+.  Older adults selling, buying, relocating or refinancing residential or investment properties have specific concerns that can benefit from the skills of a Senior Real Estate Specialist or SRES. SRESs have knowledge in housing options and differences from independent, age-restricted, to assisted living communities. SRESs have been educated in issues that concern older adults such as the ways Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, financial options and more can affect real estate decisions. SRESs have skills in working with family dynamics in selling the family home and on many peripheral issues that occur in the process. Selecting a Realtor with the SRES designation will serve older adults and their families well.  Areas that a SRES Realtor helps older adults and families make more informed decisions when transitioning from their home.  Customized approach to their living situationWhat is involved in selling the homeWhat are options for housingWhy it is important to start preparing a home nowWhere to even beginWhat resources are available to assistThis article was written by Brad Redfield, REALTOR. Brad focuses on helping seniors transition from their family homes. He is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).

Convincing Your Aging Parent to Accept Help: 7 Tips and StrategiesMany seniors express a strong desire to age in place, remaining in their own homes for as long as possible. However, despite this preference, the reality is that a significant gap exists between their desire and the resources available to make it happen. According to AARP, a staggering 88% of Americans aged 50 to 80 wish to continue living independently at home, yet only 15% feel adequately equipped financially and otherwise to do so.So, what are these crucial resources? As our parents grow older, they inevitably encounter challenges that necessitate assistance to safely and independently remain in their homes. These resources can range from simple home modifications to tasks as basic as changing a bedsheet. Eventually, there comes a time when discussing the need for help with aging parents becomes necessary. At Naborforce, we recognize the sensitivity and difficulty of initiating this conversation.Before broaching the subject of assistance at home, it's important to consider why aging parents might resist acknowledging their need for help. One of the primary reasons is the fear that accepting assistance signifies a loss of independence and autonomy, a stark reminder of their advancing age. For some, it feels like the first step toward being dependent on others for care, while others may resent feeling as though they're being told what to do. Understanding and addressing these emotional barriers is the first step toward approaching the conversation empathetically.To help navigate this delicate discussion with aging parents, here are seven actionable tips:Assure Them of Independence: Reassure your parents that accepting help does not equate to helplessness. Just as everyone, regardless of age, relies on others for support at times, accepting assistance is a natural part of life's ebb and flow.Normalize Asking for Help: Many seniors fear burdening their loved ones by asking for assistance. It's crucial to emphasize that helping one another is a fundamental aspect of human relationships. Friends, family, and neighbors often find joy and fulfillment in lending a helping hand.Highlight Everyday Services: To make the idea of accepting help more acceptable, remind your parents that many people of all ages use services like DoorDash, Uber, and Instacart for convenience and assistance. This normalization helps them see that seeking help is a practical choice, not a sign of weakness or age-related dependency.Enhance Safety and Independence: Illustrate how accepting help with certain tasks can actually enhance their safety and prolong their ability to live independently at home. Tasks that have become challenging or risky, such as changing light bulbs or navigating slippery surfaces, can be managed more safely with assistance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.Preserve Energy for Enjoyment: Explain how delegating tasks can conserve their energy for activities they truly enjoy. By reducing the physical demands of daily chores, they can maintain control over their routines and decisions, fostering a sense of autonomy.Promote Social Engagement: Seniors often face the risk of social isolation as they age, especially if they no longer drive or if their social circles diminish. Emphasize how accepting help can actually increase their social engagement. Whether it's through shared activities or outings facilitated by caregivers or community services, staying connected can have significant health benefits and improve overall well-being.Mutual Assistance: If one family member bears the brunt of caregiving responsibilities, it can lead to burnout and strain on relationships. Encourage your aging parents to see accepting outside help as a way to relieve this burden and ensure that everyone has more quality time together.Approaching the topic of accepting assistance with empathy and understanding can make a significant difference in how aging parents perceive and ultimately embrace the support they need. By focusing on the benefits and normalizing the need for assistance, you can help facilitate a smoother transition for everyone involved, ensuring that your loved ones can continue to live comfortably and safely in their own homes for as long as possible.

Using a storage service may not be at the top of your mind when youre trying to move to a new home, busy running your business or simply organizing after the holidays. People think of storage as a place to stash unwanted furniture or boxes filled with unused items. But storage can be a solution that allows you to have space to hold your possessions and gives you peace of mind.   Storage services offer you with a temporary place to keep your possessions safe and secure whether youre moving, remodeling or just need space.  Moving to a new home or doing renovations When youre getting ready to show your home to potential buyers, storage services can give you a place to hide those personal pieces such as family photos or extra furniture. You want your home to look open, spacious and inviting, so clearing out furniture and other items temporarily can help.  Organizing your business If you own a business, or work for a company that is moving or renovating their space, extra storage can be a real asset.   Ways WayForth can help you utilize storage: Items for a college student apartment or summer break Party decorations Inventory for your home business, including boxes of supplies Getting ready for an estate or garage sale  Want more information about our comprehensive moving solutions with WayForth, including storage options, downsizing and clear-out? Contact our moving professionals today at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to learn more!