Caregiving Includes Taking Steps to Fight Crime
Caregivers of older adults have many responsibilities, include picking up prescriptions, scheduling medical appointments, assisting with bathing, household/vehicle maintenance, and paying bills and other financial transactions. Monitoring financial transactions is a responsibility that cannot be overlooked. In 2022, older adults reported losing more than $1.6 billion to fraud (Protecting Older Consumers, 2022-2023, A Report of the Federal Trade Commission). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates the actual cost closer to $48 billion due to underreporting by victims.
The goal of the criminal is to catch a person off guard and create a sense of urgency for the older adult to give personal information, download malware, transfer money out of accounts, buy gift cards, or complete another action that ultimately gives the criminal control. The criminal can sound or look like a known person due to AI (Artificial Intelligence). Victims may feel fear or shame and be reluctant to tell anyone what happened or report the crime.
The FTC’s Pass It On campaign educates about different types of scams so people can protect themselves and share what they learn. Read simple explanations about identity theft, unwanted texts/messages, impersonator scams (tech, government, romance, grandkid/family), health insurance scams, charity fraud, and other scams here. Report scams/fraud by calling the FTC at 877-382-4357 or online at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Caregivers can be victims as easily as their loved ones. Talk about fraud with the people in your life. Be knowledgeable about protecting yourself and people who depend on you.
Two easy actions to take are setting up property alerts and regularly requesting/reviewing free credit reports.
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Property fraud alerts: Home title fraud is when a person transfers your deed or title to their name without you knowing, taking ownership of your property using forged documents. Sign up to have your name monitored within the Recorder’s Office to track possible fraudulent recordings affecting your property by visiting either propertyfraudalert.com/select or watch.doxpop.com/property/county.
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Free credit reports: Federal law gives you the right to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus. Click here to learn more.
Caregiver support services, including monthly support groups, are offered through Catholic Charities Indianapolis. Contact Monica Woodsworth, mwoodsworth@archindy.org, 317-261-3378.
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