Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Elder fraud is any scam that targets older adults and exploits them for monetary gain such as financial fraud or identity theft. Whether it’s an individual impersonating a grandchild, government official, financial institution, or a family member, scammers are unrelenting in their attempt to con seniors. There are numerous online scams, including phishing emails, or text messages, fraudulent request for assistance or fake notices about tax returns or bank account or credit card information.  Scammers may also contact seniors by phone or door-to door. It seems nowhere is safe from attempts by scammers to take advantage of older persons.  Some of the most common types of scams include:

Identity theft: Personal information is stolen from bank cards, credit cards, health card numbers, driver’s licenses and social insurance numbers and used for fraudulent purposes. For example, a person may get a call from a company or group that you trust – like a bank, credit card company, or internet provider seeking to obtain personal information, passwords or financial account information.

Credit/debit card fraud: Scammers use stolen credit card, debit card or bank account information to make purchases or to withdraw money from victim’s accounts. Watch for unauthorized sums withdrawn from accounts on monthly statements.

Government imposter scams: Fraudsters pose as government employees and trick older adults into making false payments. For example, an email or text messages from Canada Revenue Agency claiming an unpaid amount on your tax account.

Elder romance scams: Scammers pretend to be interested in a romantic relationship then request money or personal information. Dating apps are especially vulnerable to elder romance scams.

False investment scams: Scammers offer fraudulent investment opportunities that promise high returns, but often result in financial loss. Seniors may be tempted to invest in an attractive pyramid scheme with supposedly high payouts but their investment is used to pay out high rates of return to other investors or is used by the scammer till the scheme collapses due to lack of funds.

Sweepstake scams: Fraudsters contact an older person and claim that they’ve won a contest or lottery or sweepstakes that they never entered, claiming that they need an additional payment.

Charity scams: Fraudsters pretend to be a legitimate charity and ask for donations.  Before giving, see Canada Revenue’s List of Charities on-line to check that the charity is on an official charity.

Elder financial abuse: Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario defines it as improper conduct, done without informal consent that results in a monetary gain to the abuser and a monetary loss for the older adult.  It is the most common type of elder abuse. It is often perpetuated by a family member, close friend or caregiver who gain access to the senior’s savings, credit or assets. For example, the abuser may withdraw money from a bank account, use a line of credit or sell an asset without consent or they could trick their victim into signing over power of attorney.

What can older adults do to prevent being victimized by a scammer?  Be wary of emails and phone calls from unknown senders. If you receive a message from an unknown sender, do not open any attachments or follow any links to third-party web-sites and block the sender from sending any additional suspicious emails.  Be cautious when asked to provide financial or personal information or to click on a hyperlink that takes you to a website that gathers this type of information.  If you have concerns, contact that institution by normal channels, by phone, in-person or on-line before providing the information.

For more information on frauds and scams and to report a fraud or scam please contact Canadian  Anti  Fraud Centre   https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htmthe, the local police https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/prevention/seniors-safety and  notify banks and other companies where you have an account that may have been affected. A  useful websites with information on frauds and scams is https://www.ontario.ca/page/identify-scam-or-fraud.

For more information on the Hamilton Council on Aging please visit www.hamiltoncoa.com

About the Author: Dr. Margaret Denton is a Board member with the Hamilton Council on Aging and a Professor Emeritus with the Department of Health Aging & Society at McMaster University

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