Prize scams are one of the most common scams senior citizens fall for.

They get a postcard in the mail saying they’ve won free airfare or a cruise for two. All they have to do is call the 800 number. They get an email that they’ve won a lottery. To claim their funds, they just need to wire money to cover the taxes.

Don’t let your mom fall for these scams. There are ways you can help her figure out what’s a scam. For offers that appear authentic, make sure she knows how to verify if it’s real or not.

Keep Records of Contests She’s Entered

Make sure your mom keeps records when she enters a contest. She’s reading a magazine and sees a notice for a contest to win a trip. She goes online and enters. Weeks later, she gets an email that she’s a finalist, but she doesn’t remember entering. This is why record keeping is important.

If she has a listing of contests she entered, she’ll be able to look at her notes. If she is a finalist in a contest, she’ll be able to look up the details and know it’s valid.

Check for Red Flags

In the email or phone call, if your mom is told she has to pay taxes first, that’s a red flag. The IRS does not require immediate payment before a prize is delivered. If she’s told she has to hand over her SSN before seeing what she’s won or receiving official paperwork, that’s another red flag. She should be able to see paperwork before any personal information is shared.

If she has to sign up to be part of a club or group in order to get her prize, it’s a sign of a scam. She shouldn’t have to buy or enroll in anything in order to win the prize.

Do an Internet Search

When your mom gets an email that looks authentic, copy and paste a few lines from the email and run a search. If it’s a scam, there will be sites reporting the truth. She can also look up the company and see if they are legitimate or not.

Ask the Attorney General’s Office

Call your mom’s local attorney general if the offer your mom has is a scam or not. They keep records of scams that have been circulated.

If your mom is likely to answer the phone and fall for a scam when you’re not there, make sure she knows to call you before giving out her personal information. You can also hire a caregiver to spend time with her.

Home care services keep seniors from feeling lonely. Caregivers are there, so a senior is less likely to want to answer the phone and have someone to talk to. In addition to companionship, your mom has the help with any activities of daily living that are becoming hard for her to manage. Call a home care agency to find out what’s available.

Are you or a family member considering a Caregiver in Folsom, CA? Talk to the friendly staff at Golden Years In-Home Senior Care.   Call Us Today 916-333-0383. We are here when you need us!