Scams Targeting Seniors In Morris County: What To Know

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Every year, scammers steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting seniors, and Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll says it's a problem that can be solved with proper education.

Financial scams targeting the senior population in Morris County and elsewhere are a continuing concern, prompting authorities to urge residents to be on the lookout for potential fraud and to take simple precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

"Elder abuse can happen to anyone and is more common than the public realizes. It occurs when an older adult is harmed on purpose or is neglected. The abuser can be a family member, friend, or caregiver. Abusers can also be strangers who contact older adults by phone, mail, social media, email, the internet, or in person," Carroll said.

Millions of older Americans are victims of financial exploitation. The impact makes it difficult for a victim to pay bills, buy food, or seek medical care and it frequently causes feelings of betrayal, anger and shame.

There are ways you can protect yourself and find help:

• Check your financial statements often.
• Ask your bank about signing up for bank account alerts.
• Store financial materials in a locked drawer or safe.
• Visit FTC.gov to learn how to get a free annual credit report.

According to Morris County Adult Protective Services, each year, older Americans are more likely to lose money to financial fraud and scams. This is because scammers will attempt to contact potential victims in person, over the phone, via computer, radio, TV ads, emails, and text messages, and will frequently pressure them to act quickly.

Here are five of the most common scams affecting older Americans:

1. Online Shopping – Scammers pretend to be a real business, but have a fake website or fake ad on a genuine retailer site. Only click on the links you searched.
2. Business Imposters – Scammers send emails or texts pretending to be a major retailer to get your money or personal information. Don’t click on links in texts or emails before checking your existing account or contacting the company.
3. Tech Support – Scammers pose as tech support and offer to fix computer problems that are not real. They ask you to give them access to your computer and steal your personal information. Accept tech support help only when you noticed a problem and have hired someone or asked for help.
4. Government Impersonation – Scammers pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute you or someone you love unless you agree to pay them. The federal government will never call you on the phone and ask for personal information or threaten you.
5. Romance Scams – Scammers pose as interested romantic partners and convince you to give them money or offer to send you money or offer to send you money in order to steal your personal information. Don’t send or receive money in any form (such as gift cards or wire transfers) from anyone you have met online, no matter how sad or convincing their story.

Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to learn about your rights and the services available in your community.

The Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming is located at 340 West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Interested residents can reach the office by phone at 973-285-6848 or 1-800-564-4656.

To report elder abuse for Morris County residents, call 973-326-7282.