How to Protect Seniors From Online Fraud and Phone Scams

Wall Street Journal columnist Julie Jargon offers tips to prevent fraudsters from preying on seniors via Internet and phone scams. "In addition to adding a land line or mobile phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry, people also can check with their phone company or mobile provider about call-blocking services," she writes. "AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all offer features for blocking robocalls. People also can block unwanted calls on the mobile phones themselves: Apple devices running iOS 13 or later can silence unknown callers as can Android devices running Android 6.0 and newer." Another suggestion is to reduce junk mail by unsubscribing from marketing e-mails, and any doubts about e-mail legitimacy can be queried through the Senior Planet tech hotline at 920-666-1959 or the AARP fraud watch helpline at 877-908-3360. Moreover, seniors can protect their money by setting up direct deposits for income from Social Security, pensions, and dividends so physical checks are not sent to their home, where a caregiver or others could acquire them. "People should also keep an eye on spending activity by asking their bank and credit-card companies to send them — or trusted loved ones — alerts of suspicious activity or charges that exceed a certain amount," Jargon advises. For aging parents with cognitive problems and needing in-home care, she recommends hiring a care manager to oversee all aspects of their care.