Many have use for, but aren't huge fans of cell phones, and are frustrated by, or skeptical of technology, and social media in general.
The trusty ol' home phone is just fine with many of our elder relatives and friends. The phone rings?
They answer.
Why not? It’s what they’ve always done.
Consider, too, depending on their temperament or living situation, that they simply enjoy having someone to talk to.
Telemarketers are happy to oblige, if they think a sale is imminent.
Many seniors are thrifty.
If someone is making a pitch, they perk up and listen.
If they hear the words "save you money" or “reduce your current bill”, they may happily take the bait.
I'm not saying that all telemarketers are unscrupulous shysters, but some are, and they target the pockets, wallets, and purses of vulnerable seniors.
Individuals and businesses that take advantage of the often fixed resources, and trust of seasoned citizens are...okay...I can't type that.
Let’s just assume that special corner in hell we hear about, is reserved for their ilk.
Make sure your seasoned loved ones and friends who aren't so tech savvy, or are suffering from dementia, have not been coerced into the following:
1. contributing to bogus missions trips, by individuals operating independently from their places of worship.
2. switching their electricity, phone, and gas utilities to fly by night, substandard companies (that, should there be an emergency or equipment failure, have to use the infrastructure of existing, reliable companies anyway.)
3. opening multiple lines of credit for home improvement projects
4. signing up for subscriptions, clubs, recurring payments, or direct debits that require an act of Congress to stop.
5. Giving too much personal information, particularly their social security or bank account numbers, or birthdate over the phone.
Also, check for correspondence and bills from extended warranty companies, questionable charities, political organizations, prescription drug, and landscaping companies.
Some notices will often appear to be legitimate; they’ll come enclosed in pink envelopes (implying a late bill), be stamped with “final notice”, or use the name of companies with which seasoned citizens currently do business.
Correspondence that come with “gifts” like address labels, greeting cards, calendars, bookmarks, tote bags, t-shirts, or coins, make some seniors feel obligated, or think they have to return the manipulative favor. The more they reply, the more mail they’ll get.
If the seasoned citizen in your life seems to be inundated with snail mail, particularly bills for nonexistent goods or services, be alert...respectfully take a look, make some calls, and invest in a good shredder.
Handle it.
Seniors need extra eyes so that they’re not such easy targets. Shame may keep them quiet about being scammed, particularly if they had a reputation of being sharp, in control, discerning, and conscientious, but as their caregiver and advocate, nip the scams in the bud.
#caregivers
#scams
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