10 Tips to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse
Posted on 09/05/23
Paul Greenwood, a former Deputy District Attorney in San Diego spent 22 years prosecuting financial elder abuse cases. Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself.
1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION
Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are
guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current
law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in
California.
2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY
Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by
elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should
have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate
location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in
tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.
3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER
Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying
information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective
type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your
name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks
from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no
danger in over shredding!
4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL
Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public
have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail
In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an
easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing
a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.
5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR
Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a
credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit
bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to
discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in
your name.
6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.
All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the
minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming
call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be
immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their
weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.
7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY
If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are
the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an
email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a
substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.
Do not dabble!!
8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR
Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered
six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight
is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who
is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.
9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED
Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three
estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the
Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just
because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s
license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The
license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more
than 10% of the contract price up front.
10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR
You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at
your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using
excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By
having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the
stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a
forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the
emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.
To be continued…
This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the AARP South Carolina page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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"Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">10 Tips to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 09/05/23 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/a7/52/ade3e27146479d8681846a3a1cbf/gettyimages-499778641.jpg" alt="GettyImages-499778641.jpg" width="5120" height="3417"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Paul Greenwood, a former Deputy District Attorney in San Diego spent 22 years prosecuting financial elder abuse cases. Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP South Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">10 Tips to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 09/05/23 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/a7/52/ade3e27146479d8681846a3a1cbf/gettyimages-499778641.jpg" alt="GettyImages-499778641.jpg" width="5120" height="3417"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Paul Greenwood, a former Deputy District Attorney in San Diego spent 22 years prosecuting financial elder abuse cases. Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. 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Now, he travels the country" name="description"/> <meta content="10, Tips, Avoid, Financial, Elder, Abuse" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/south-carolina/10-tips-to-avoid-financial-elder-abuse" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/10-tips-to-avoid-financial-elder-abuse-sc-2023-09-05.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="10 Tips to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The effects of financial exploitation can be devastating. Most older adults who are impacted never see it coming. But there are always clues and red flags. 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Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">10 Tips to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 09/05/23 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/a7/52/ade3e27146479d8681846a3a1cbf/gettyimages-499778641.jpg" alt="GettyImages-499778641.jpg" width="5120" height="3417"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Paul Greenwood, a former Deputy District Attorney in San Diego spent 22 years prosecuting financial elder abuse cases. Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. 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Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP South Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">10 Tips to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 09/05/23 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/a7/52/ade3e27146479d8681846a3a1cbf/gettyimages-499778641.jpg" alt="GettyImages-499778641.jpg" width="5120" height="3417"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Paul Greenwood, a former Deputy District Attorney in San Diego spent 22 years prosecuting financial elder abuse cases. Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP South Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP South Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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"Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">10 Tips to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 09/05/23 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/a7/52/ade3e27146479d8681846a3a1cbf/gettyimages-499778641.jpg" alt="GettyImages-499778641.jpg" width="5120" height="3417"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Paul Greenwood, a former Deputy District Attorney in San Diego spent 22 years prosecuting financial elder abuse cases. Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP South Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP South Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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"Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">10 Tips to Avoid Financial Elder Abuse</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 09/05/23 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/a7/52/ade3e27146479d8681846a3a1cbf/gettyimages-499778641.jpg" alt="GettyImages-499778641.jpg" width="5120" height="3417"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Paul Greenwood, a former Deputy District Attorney in San Diego spent 22 years prosecuting financial elder abuse cases. Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP South Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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Now, he travels the country sharing what he learned in hopes of helping people prevent it from happening to them. Below is the first part of 20-tip list that can help you protect yourself. <br><br><b>1) CHOOSE A CAREGIVER WITH CAUTION </b><br>Do not assume that by hiring a caregiver through a bonded agency you are<br>guaranteed to get someone who has been checked. There is no current<br>law requiring mandatory background checks for in-home caregivers in<br>California.<br><br><b>2) KEEP AN INVENTORY OF ALL JEWELRY</b><br>Jewelry is the number one item that is stolen from homes occupied by<br>elders. Not only should your jewelry be kept in a locked drawer, you should<br>have photographs of rare, valuable or sentimental items in a separate<br>location. In the event of theft, such photographic evidence will be useful in<br>tracking down the missing jewelry at a pawn shop.<br><br><b>3) EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE A SHREDDER</b><br>Every piece of mail containing your name, address and any other identifying<br>information should be shredded before being discarded. The most effective<br>type of shredder is the criss-cross cut shredder. Even envelopes with your<br>name and address should be shredded. Never throw away old checkbooks<br>from closed accounts or bank credit card application forms. There is no<br>danger in over shredding!<br><br><b>4) PROTECT YOUR INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL</b><br>Never allow incoming mail to sit in an unsecured mailbox where the public<br>have access. Mailbox theft is rampant. Similarly, never leave outgoing mail<br>In an unsecured mailbox with the red flag raised as this simply provides an<br>easy alert to the thief who is cruising the streets. Consider either purchasing<br>a locked mailbox or renting a post office from your local post office.<br><br><b>5) OBTAIN A CREDIT SEARCH ON YOURSELF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR</b><br>Identity theft is rampant. The only way to have peace of mind is to obtain a<br>credit search on yourself periodically from one of the three major credit<br>bureaus – Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. This will enable you to<br>discover whether someone has applied for or obtained a credit card in<br>your name.<br><br><b>6) EVERY TELEPHONE SHOULD HAVE CALLER I.D.</b><br>All modern telephones are equipped with Caller I.D. capability and the<br>minimal cost of this extra service is well worth it. By seeing if the incoming<br>call is classified as “private” or “unknown” this will allow you to be<br>immediately on your guard. Crooks love the telephone. It is now their<br>weapon of choice. And remember that crooks can “spoof” real numbers, so do not assume that an incoming call is actually coming from that number.<br><br><b>7) YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE CANADIAN LOTTERY</b><br>If a smooth talking 25 year old male tells you on the telephone that you are<br>the proud winner of the Canadian lottery, he is a liar. Similarly, if you get an<br>email from Nigeria or letter from Madrid indicating that you could receive a<br>substantial amount of money, such communications are always fraudulent.<br>Do not dabble!!<br><br><b>8) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR BANK OR CREDIT UNION PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE WITH A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR</b><br>Sadly, most financial elder abuse cases are only reported or discovered<br>six to nine months after the initial losses have occurred. Elders whose sight<br>is failing are at greater risk because they may rely upon the very person who<br>is stealing from them to ensure that the financial transactions are in order. By naming a trusted contact can allow your financial institution to talk to a third party if they spot an unusual transaction.<br><br><b>9) DON’T ASSUME THAT THE FRIENDLY HANDYMAN IS IN FACT LICENSED</b><br>Before committing to any work on your home, always obtain at least three<br>estimates in writing and check on the name of the contractor with both the<br>Better Business bureau and with your State License Contractor’s Board. Just<br>because someone gives you an impressive business card with a contractor’s<br>license number on it, this does not mean that the person is qualified. The<br>license number may have in fact been stolen. Additionally, never pay more<br>than 10% of the contract price up front.<br><br><b>10) ALWAYS HAVE A SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE AT YOUR FRONT DOOR</b><br>You should either have a locked screen door or a security chain guard at<br>your front door. Crooks will attempt to gain entry to your home by using<br>excuses such as a fake emergency, or false uniforms and badges. By<br>having a second line of defense, you will be able to communicate with the<br>stranger on the doorstep without exposing yourself to the possibility of a<br>forced entry. Never allow any stranger into your home even if the<br>emergency seems real. Instead, tell the stranger that you will call 911.<br><br>To be continued…<br><br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP South Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RODERFIELD-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RODERFIELD-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />West Virginia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RODERFIELD-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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