SCAM Doorhanger/fin

Fraud is the most prevalent type of elder
abuse. The financial abuse of elders, known as a
“scam,” is both a crime and a violation of civil law. Most
scams are fraudulent schemes that involve money and
some sort of business transaction.
If you think you’ve been scammed, or that
someone is trying to scam you, call and leave us a
message. One of our Advocates will call back to help!
Top Ten scams. Below are the ten most common
scams now circulating in Stanislaus County. The list
changes periodically, so feel free to call the SCAM line
for our most recent update.
1) THE IRS SCAM: If someone calls your
home claiming they are from the IRS… HANG
UP – IT’S A SCAM! The IRS will never contact
you by phone.
2) THE VETERAN’S BENEFITS SCAM: If someone
tries to charge you anything – even a notary fee –
before you can get your benefits… DON’T PAY ANY
MONEY – IT’S A SCAM! It’s against the law to charge
a Veteran to get Veteran’s benefits in California.
3) THE GRANDPARENTS SCAM: If a “relative”
contacts you to wire them money out of the country
because they were robbed or lost their cash… DON’T
SEND THE MONEY – IT’S A SCAM! Contact family
members immediately to inform them about the scam.
CONTINUED ON REVERSE
Senior Consumer Alert Message
209-996-SCAM (7226)
4) THE FOREIGN LOTTERY SCAM: If you win any
contest that asks you to send money before you can
claim the prize… DON’T SEND YOUR MONEY – IT’S A
SCAM! Anytime you are required to send money in
order to collect prize winnings, IT’S A SCAM!
5) THE DEBT COLLECTOR SCAM: If a bill collector
threatens that you’ll be DEPORTED if you don’t wire
them money… HANG UP – IT’S A SCAM! If you are a
U.S. citizen, you can’t be deported and you probably
don’t owe the money to begin with.
6) THE PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE
SCAM: If Publishers Clearing House calls to
tell you you’ve won, but you’ll need to wire money
to collect… DON’T SEND THE MONEY – IT’S A SCAM!
Publishers Clearing House always comes to a winner’s
home unannounced, and they never require you to
send them money.
7) THE DEEDS OR RECORDED DOCUMENTS
SCAM: A Certified Copy of your Deed (or other official
document), usually costs less than $25. If you receive
a letter offering one for a higher price, DON’T PAY FOR
THE DEED – IT’S A SCAM!
8) THE UNDERGROUND WATER LINE INSURANCE SCAM: Water lines rarely break. So before you
invest in this kind of insurance, talk to your homeowner’s insurance company – IN CASE IT’S A SCAM!
9) MOBILE DENT FIXER SCAM: These scam artists
drive through parking lots looking for dented cars.
They often cause more damage than they fix, then
charge more money to fix it! Just say “no” to anyone
claiming to fix your dents – BECAUSE IT’S A SCAM!
10) REVERSE MORTGAGE SEMINAR & ANNUITY SCAMS: Before getting a Reverse Mortgage on
your home or purchasing an Annuity, always seek the
advice of your banker or a qualified attorney, so you
can carefully weigh the pros and cons – IN CASE IT’S
A SCAM!
Senior Consumer
Alert Message
209-996-7226 209-577-3814