HELPFUL RESOURCES
Social Security Administration
Social Security Publications
Elder Law Attorneys
The National Center On Elder Abuse
- http://ncea.acl.gov
- The US Administration on Aging provides resources on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
National Do Not Call Registry
- www.donotcall.gov
- 1.888.382.1222
- This registry allows you to block telemarketing calls. (Charities, political candidates and companies with whom you do business may call you even if your number is on the list.)
Fraud!ORG – National Consumers League
- www.fraud.org
- The National Fraud Information Center has tips and articles to help you recognize fraud, and an online form to file a complaint.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- www.bbb.org
- Visit the BBB site to find your local BBB agency, read its extensive scams listing and check out charities before you give.
NC Attorney General
- www.ncdoj.gov
- 1.877.566.7226
- Provides consumers with tips on many topics, like how to get a fair loan or buy a new car.
5 Things Seniors Should Do to Protect From Fraud
- Take Your Time
- No quick decisions such as wiring money or writing a check or signing paperwork at a seminar. If it’s “now or never”, always, always choose “NEVER”. Protect your personal info. “Haste makes waste!”
- No quick decisions such as wiring money or writing a check or signing paperwork at a seminar. If it’s “now or never”, always, always choose “NEVER”. Protect your personal info. “Haste makes waste!”
- Beware Of Great Deals
- “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. Be wary if the seller doesn’t talk about cost or risk or says an investment carries no risk, or promises “something for nothing”. There’s almost always a catch somewhere! No such thing as a “free ride” or “free lunch.” Beware of deferred annuities for older seniors.
- Involve Others
- Tell trusted friends/family/advisors about what you’re considering doing before you do it. Seek a second opinion.
- Check Out Strangers/Financial Professionals
- Legitimate professionals welcome your scrutiny. Be wary of those who don’t encourage you to check. Remember when you were a kid and your parents told you to “beware of strangers”? It’s time to repeat their advice.
- Have A Plan
- No matter what your age, it is never too late to put together a life plan. Enacting proactive health care, legal and financial planning is essential. Make health care and financial arrangements before they are necessary to ensure that these decisions are made thoughtfully – and made with your voluntary, knowledgeable and informed consent. If you don’t make the decisions, someone else will! The best defense is a good offense – BE PREPARED!
WHO – WHAT – WHEN – WHERE – HOW AND THE BIGGIE! WHY?