Charlottesville's Home Instead Senior Care is getting the word out this week to prevent scams and fraud targeting senior citizens. But the advice they have for older populations rings true for just about every age group.
Last week, we told you about a woman in Buckingham County scammed out of thousands of dollars. Since then, we've heard from other viewers who say they've run into similar schemes, and Albemarle County police say they've seen an increase in the number of reported scams in the past couple of years.
It's all part of a larger issue Home Instead Senior Care and other community partners are trying to tackle. Home Instead works with seniors, law enforcement, and other businesses in a nationwide partnership called TRIAD, aimed at preventing fraud and empowering older populations.
They say seniors are often targeted because they can be too trusting. At its latest seminar Wednesday morning, speakers offered advice on how to avoid being taken advantage of.
Christine Shaw with Home Instead Senior Care said, "Those kinds of qualities make them easy targets, just like the younger population would as well. So we're just here to try to make them aware of situations that they should be aware of. Knowledge is power."
It only takes a few practical reminders to avoid potential scams. First of all, awareness is critical. You should make sure to think and assess a situation before making any potentially dangerous decisions with your money or information.
Home Instead Senior Care says, at the end of the day, just go with your gut. It may sound cliché, but if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
