Beware of scammers!
Scammers are becoming more clever and sophisticated as the world grows increasingly digital and automated. Unfortunately, our older loved ones are among the most vulnerable to these schemes.
As one of Ireland’s leading home care providers, we understand the importance of protecting our loved ones from these threats.
This blog provides valuable information and tips to help you and your family be aware of scammers targeting older persons.
The Growing Threat of Scammers
In recent months and years, there has been a huge surge in scams targeting older adults in Ireland. This alarming trend affects many families and highlights the need for vigilance.
Con artists use various methods, including fraudulent phone calls, email phishing attempts, and even in-person scams. Older people are especially at risk due to their trusting nature and less experience with these deceptive tactics.
5 Common Scams to Look Out For
There are a number of scams currently prevalent in Ireland. Below are some of the most prevalent types:
1. Fake Lottery and Prize Scams
Scammers often claim that their target has won the lotto or some other prize. They require a payment or the person’s personal information to claim their “winnings.”
2. Banking and Financial Fraud
Fraudsters may pose as bank employees, requesting sensitive financial information or convincing older adults to transfer money.
Banks like AIB enhance security measures and raise awareness campaigns due to the influx of banking scams, particularly via text and WhatsApp.
3. Impersonation
Scammers pretend to be government officials, such as Revenue employees, and demand immediate payments or threaten legal action. However, officials are not the only people being impersonated.
Bank of Ireland is warning that scammers are now impersonating family members to steal funds and engage in identity theft.
The ‘Hi Mum or Hi Dad’ scam reports a 25% rise in victims of these fake texts. Fraudsters are sending texts pretending to be from a family member with a lost or damaged phone in need of money.
4. Home Improvement Scams
Untrustworthy contractors may offer home repair services, take payment, and disappear without completing the work.
Some use aggressive tactics to pressure individuals into unnecessary agreements or handing over the cash.
5. Charity Scams
Scammers create fake charities and seek donations from kind-hearted individuals. These types of scams often occur door-to-door but are becoming increasingly common online through platforms such as GoFundMe.
How Does Technology Enable Scammers?
Scammers now exploit technology to access more tools for targeting older adults. Phone calls, emails, and text messages are all used to initiate contact with unsuspecting victims.
Sometimes, they can even spoof legitimate phone numbers to appear more convincing. Educating older family members about the risks associated with these modern methods of communication and trends can significantly reduce their risk.
Regular mental health support for older people can help them stay mentally sharp and better equipped to recognise these threats.
7 Ways to Protect Older Persons from Scams
Staying vigilant and taking preventative measures can protect yourself and your loved ones from scams targeting vulnerable people.
Here are some steps you can take to protect your older family members:
Staying Informed with Reliable Sources
As part of our mission to protect our older persons, we recommend staying informed about the latest scams.
Trusted organisations like Age Action are excellent resources for staying up to date on the latest scams and trends in fraud.
Being well-informed is the first line of defence against these scammers.
Educating and Communicating
Open conversations and education are highly effective in shielding older adults from scams. Start by discussing the common types of scams outlined earlier and share the information from reliable sources.
Encourage your family members to ask questions and seek guidance if they have any concerns or doubts. Emphasise verifying unsolicited calls or messages before engaging with them.
Staying connected with trusted family members can further help provide the social support needed to remain alert.
Practicing Scepticism
Teach older adults to adopt a sceptical approach to avoid scams. Teach your older family members to:
- Question unsolicited offers involving money, prizes, or financial transactions.
- Never share personal information, such as PPS numbers, bank account details, or passwords, with strangers.
- Avoid making hasty decisions when pressured, as legitimate organisations won’t rush you into making financial commitments.
- Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a government official or charity worker.
- Ask for identification or independently verify their legitimacy.
Strengthening Online Security
Strong, unique passwords protect online accounts from exploitation. Scammers exploit weak passwords to access personal information every day. It’s one of the most common sources of fraudulent activity.
Help set up secure passwords and update them regularly. Ensure that their devices have up-to-date antivirus software to protect against online scams.
Trusting Gut Instincts
The most important thing you can do is trust your gut. Sometimes, our instincts can be our best defence against scams.
If something seems too good to be true or feels suspicious, it probably is. Encourage your family members to trust their gut feelings and always err on the side of caution.
Seeking Professional Advice
If your parents have been targeted by a scam or if you suspect they may have fallen victim, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
In serious cases, contact your local Garda Station and, if necessary, consult a solicitor or another legal advisor.
Remember, the sooner you act, the better the chances of minimising the damage caused by the scam.
Providing Support and Assistance
As an older person home care company in Ireland, Comfort Keepers is dedicated to providing support and assistance to those in need.
If you require guidance on how to prevent scams or need help addressing a situation involving a loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Our team is always here to offer advice and assistance to protect vulnerable people in our communities from scammers.
Help Protect Older Adults from Scammers
Protecting older adults from scammers is a collective effort that requires vigilance, education, and communication.
Stay informed about common scams, teach your older family members to be sceptical, and cultivate open dialogue to significantly reduce the risk of your loved ones falling victim to scams.
Remember, knowledge is the key to prevention, and together, we can safeguard our older persons from the growing threat of scams in Ireland!
Connect with us
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To join our incredible award-winning team, you can apply now by clicking here or emailing your CV to recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie
