For Immediate Release
Contact: Wendee Cutler
wcutler@carolinajewishseniors.org
336-337-6584
Beware of Scams and Cons
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the older adult population to fall victim to scam artist and cons working the communities to steal their money and hard earned assets.
Beth David Synagogue Vatikim learned about current “Scams & Frauds” when Caroline Farmer from the North Carolina Attorney General office visited the group providing valuable information and answered questions.
Ms. Farmer emphasized the need to keep up our guard to con artists and crooks. She indicated the older adult population is especially vulnerable to various scams and often times frightened to admit they have been taken advantage of by these crooks. When this happens the crimes go unreported leaving the door open to others becoming victims.
Ms. Farmer emphasized the importance of guarding your identity. Never give out your social security number, bank account number or credit card number to anyone you don’t know.
Other safety measures include: Don’t pay money up front to get a loan, collect a prize or for debt settlement, credit repair or foreclosure help. Say no to high-pressure sales pitches. Be cautious when responding to telemarketers, door-to-door sellers, and email or text pitches. Avoid get rich quick schemes!
Telephone solicitation is frequently a haven for scam artist. Ms. Farmer recommends not answering the phone if you don’t recognize the caller I.D. number. If you answer and think it is a scam call, hang up immediately without saying anything. People are being taken advantage of when their voice is recorded after they say “yes” when asked if they are Joe or Jane Smith and it is the correct name. The scammers use the recorded “yes” as confirmation you agreed to a financial commitment, home repair, etc.
These are just a few of the ways scam artist and cons are taking advantage of innocent people. The North Carolina Attorney General Department of Justice website (www.ncdoj.gov) provides a wealth of information. You can learn about scams (investment and home repairs are a few examples), safety alerts, internet safety, how to report a crime and a number of other helpful tips to stay safe while protecting yourself and your possessions.
Staying safe and educated about “Scams and Cons” is one way to help live stress free as we age. BJH Foundation strives to “Enhance the Lives of Older Jewish Adults” by awarding grants to North and South Carolina nonprofits for various programs.
BJH Foundation places emphasis for grants on two priority categories for older Jewish adults; Health and Wellness, and Socialization programs.
Health and Wellness programs include: case management with a licensed professional or case worker, congregational nurse, dementia or memory impairment, group day care and respite programs, new and innovative programs.
Socialization programs include: community building, education and furtherance of Jewish values, food distribution, transportation, new and innovative programs.
The 2017 grant awards will be announced in June!
For more information, please contact Wendee Cutler at 336-854-8400 or email wcutler@carolinajewishseniors.org.