healthfraud

Play It Safe:Elders as Fraud Targets: 

Play It Safe: Elders as Fraud Targets

1. Why are elders targeted for financial fraud and scams?: 

1. Why are elders targeted for financial fraud and scams? Because they are really trusting. They hold the majority of wealth. Because they might be more isolated. They are lonely. All of the above.

1. Why are elders targeted for financial fraud and scams?: 

1. Why are elders targeted for financial fraud and scams? The answer is e. All of them are reasons why seniors are targeted for fraud. Seniors grew up in a different time, where a hand shake was all it took to close a deal. Some of them aren’t used to using contracts for business deals. Seniors are also usually more isolated, they are home to answer the phone and door. They might be far away from family and friends and that person at the door selling the “snake oil” might be the first contact with someone all day.

2. According to ElderWatch which type of fraud has the highest dollar amount lost per case associated with it?: 

2. According to ElderWatch which type of fraud has the highest dollar amount lost per case associated with it? Identity theft. Home Repair Fraud. Family Exploitation. Lottery Fraud.

2. According to ElderWatch which type of fraud has the highest dollar amount lost per case associated with it?: 

2. According to ElderWatch which type of fraud has the highest dollar amount lost per case associated with it? The answer is c – In 2006; AARP ElderWatch documented over 3 million dollars lost to family exploitation which averages out to be about $200,000 per case. It’s a sad statistic, but we can all help educate our loved ones and friends to make sure to put proper instruments in place when doing estate planning, so we don’t fall victims to unscrupulous family members or trusted friends who want to take our money.

3. According to the Census Bureau in 2005, there were ________ Americans over the age of 65.: 

3. According to the Census Bureau in 2005, there were ________ Americans over the age of 65. 25.5 Million. 50.1 Million. 36.8 Million. 42.7 Million.

3. According to the Census Bureau in 2005, there were ________ Americans over the age of 65.: 

3. According to the Census Bureau in 2005, there were ________ Americans over the age of 65. The Answer is c. There are 36.8 million Americans over the age of 65. This is an increase of 3.2 million since 1995 or an increase of 9.4% Another way to look at it is that about 1 in every 8 Americans is over the age of 65.

4. A supplement labeled “natural” means that it also is:: 

4. A supplement labeled “natural” means that it also is: Mild. Without any risk of side effects. Safe to use with other medications. None of the above.

4. A supplement labeled “natural” means that it also is:: 

4. A supplement labeled “natural” means that it also is: The answer is d. The term natural may suggest to consumers that the supplement is safe, especially when compared with prescription drugs that are known to have side effects. But natural is not necessarily safe. Although many supplements can be used safely by most people, other supplements including some herbal products, can be dangerous. Many seniors can be confused by the terms used on some products today. They did not have the wide choice of “alternative” medicines on the shelves the we do today. They need to be very careful about mixing something with an existing prescription and make sure to talk to their doctor.

5. Many supplements have proven health benefits: 

5. Many supplements have proven health benefits True False

5. Many supplements have proven health benefits: 

5. Many supplements have proven health benefits The answer is true. Studies do show that several popular supplements include some herbal products, may provide health benefits. For example, calcium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis; folic acid during pregnancy can prevent birth defects. We just want anyone and definitely seniors to take any claims that a product is making and research it before treating it as truth and check it out with their doctor.

6. Testimonials in dietary supplements give a good idea of the supplements benefits and safety because they are based on firsthand accounts.: 

6. Testimonials in dietary supplements give a good idea of the supplements benefits and safety because they are based on firsthand accounts. True False

6. Testimonials in dietary supplements give a good idea of the supplements benefits and safety because they are based on firsthand accounts.: 

6. Testimonials in dietary supplements give a good idea of the supplements benefits and safety because they are based on firsthand accounts. The answer is false. It is unwise to judge a product’s safety based only on testimonials. It is very hard to verify the accuracy of the account; some marketers may embellish or even make up testimonials to seel their products. Second, you can’t generalize one person’s experience to others Anecdotes are not a substitute for valid science. People who are in poor health are very susceptible to testimonials because they want to “believe” that the product will work for them too.

7. A money back guarantee is a good way to tell if the product is going to be successful: 

7. A money back guarantee is a good way to tell if the product is going to be successful True False

7. A money back guarantee is a good way to tell if the product is going to be successful: 

7. A money back guarantee is a good way to tell if the product is going to be successful The answer is false. Scam artists who offer a guarantee have been known to offer those to build the trust and then take the money and run. But for seniors these promises can be very enticing.

8. In the state of Colorado you have ______ many days to return a hearing aid?: 

8. In the state of Colorado you have ______ many days to return a hearing aid? 14 days. 30 days. 7 days. 3 days.

8. In the state of Colorado you have ______ many days to return a hearing aid?: 

8. In the state of Colorado you have ______ many days to return a hearing aid? The answer is b. If you purchase a hearing aid, you have 30 calendar days (not business) days after you receive it, to request a refund (CRS section 6-1-701). This is something that falls under the Colorado Attorney Generals jurisdiction, so if consumers have complaints forward them directly to the AG's Consumer Protection Division.

9. Signs that an elderly client might be exploited include:: 

9. Signs that an elderly client might be exploited include: Complaints of no money when they used to have some. Not being able to talk to family and friends because someone is not allowing it. Collections of sweepstakes or other junk mail at their house. Excitement over winning the Canadian Lottery. A & B only. All of the above.

9. Signs that an elderly client might be exploited include:: 

9. Signs that an elderly client might be exploited include: The answer is f. all of the above. Pay close attention to any client who exhibits any of these traits. If you are doing a home visit and the client appears to have stacks of junk mail or sweepstakes information everywhere that may be a sign they are playing games through the mail or sending money to Canada or another foreign county. If the senior complains they aren’t able to visit with family and friends like they used to that may also be a sign that someone whether a caretaker or a family member is keeping them inside their home to control them. Or a senior who complains of not knowing where they money is when they used to have a lot. These are all signs of possible exploitation.

10. If someone felt a senior was being financially abused or exploited, Colorado has a mandatory reporting statue: 

10. If someone felt a senior was being financially abused or exploited, Colorado has a mandatory reporting statue True False

10. If someone felt a senior was being financially abused or exploited, Colorado has a mandatory reporting statue: 

10. If someone felt a senior was being financially abused or exploited, Colorado has a mandatory reporting statue The answer is False. Colorado does not have a mandatory reporting law, it is strongly urged though. You can contact Adult Protection or Law enforcement in your area to report the complaint and in most instances you can remain anonymous if you wish.

11. Finally, Which are good fraud prevention techniques for everyone especially seniors: 

11. Finally, Which are good fraud prevention techniques for everyone especially seniors Carry your Medicare card with you at all times, that way if you get hurt you can receive medical attention quicker and can’t be targeted by Medicare fraud. Tell companies that you work with that they can share your personal information as long as they think they are a reputable company. Make sure to check caller id when the phone rings, that way you can be sure to tell that the person calling is legitimate. Never give personal or financial information over the phone to anyone. C&D.

11. Finally, Which are good fraud prevention techniques for everyone especially seniors: 

11. Finally, Which are good fraud prevention techniques for everyone especially seniors The answer is d. The only one of those answers that is good fraud prevention techniques is D. Never give personal or financial information over the phone to anyone that called you. Only carry your Medicare card when you know you will need it that day. If you are in an accident you will get treatment even if you don’t have your card. You will be able to show your card at a later date to get the treatment covered. If you know you will be at the Dr. or getting a procedure done that day, take it, but keep it hidden in your wallet. Tell companies to never share your information with anyone. Many companies will sell and share your information and that just leads to more phone calls and possibly more fraud. You can avoid getting on sucker lists by not filling out contest forms at fairs or at malls. Many of those names get sold to con artists. Do not trust caller id by itself. There are cards that people can buy online to spoof the name on caller id. So you might see that it is the Social Security Administration calling you, when in fact it’s a scam artist pretending to be them to try to steal your identity.

Thank You!: 

Thank You! For more information, contact: AARP ElderWatch 1-800-222-4444 Available online at www.aarpelderwatch.org