Sign In
Skip to Main Content
  • Sacramento County
  • Live/Visit |
  • Business |
  • Government |
  • Language
  • Search

SACCOUNTY NEWS

  • Twitter - Sacramento County
  • Facebook - Sacramento County
  • Instagram - Sacramento County
  • More News
      • 2021 Stories
      • 2020 Stories
      • 2019 Stories
      • 2018 Stories
      • 2017 Stories
      • 2016 Stories
      • 2015 Stories
      • 2014 Stories
      • 2013 Stories
  • Events
      • Countywide Calendar
      • Sacramento365
  • Photo / Video
      • Video Galleries
      • Photo Galleries
  • Public Information
      • Public Information Office
      • County Press Releases (2016-2010)
      • Public Records Act Requests
      • Contact Us

Protecting the Elderly from Scammers

12/22/2015
Health & Social Services

Page Image
Protecting the elderly
Image Caption

​Seniors, especially those who have deteriorated health or few family members, are some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Evernote
 
 

Article Date: Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Page Content
With the holidays here, many people will be heading home to spend time with family, possibly with older adult relatives. This can be a great opportunity to initiate a conversation about protecting finances, especially from scammers.  Be sure your older relatives are aware of common scams targeting older adults and steps they can take to protect themselves.

“We always encourage people to regularly check-in with older relatives,” says Ruth MacKenzie, Sacramento County’s Senior and Adult Protective Services (APS) Program Manager. “Twenty-five percent of all cases APS investigates involves financial fraud.”

Being the victim of a financial scam is a traumatic experience for anyone, but for seniors who often have limited income and no recourse to recoup a financial loss, it can be devastating. Seniors who fall victim to fraud can lose not only financially, but physically as well. 

“In many cases, the financial loss and ensuing investigation takes a mental and physical toll on an older adult and can, sadly, sometimes lead to hospitalization and even death,” says MacKenzie.

APS regularly works with law enforcement when scams are perpetrated against seniors.  Detective Natalie Medeiros has been with the Sacramento Police Department for 20 years and has investigated many cases involving seniors, including both physical and financial abuse. 

 
Seniors, especially those who have deteriorated health or few family members, are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. According to a study by the Investor Protection Trust, more than 7.3 million Americans over 65 have been victims of fraud. 

“Financial abuse can include fraud, theft, and an array of scams, many of which are targeted specifically at older adults,” says Detective Medeiros.  “It’s important for us, as a community, to give seniors and their families tools to help safeguard against abuse.”

Below are a few scams prominent in Sacramento County:
  • IRS: Victims are told they owe back-taxes to the IRS and must pay right away through wire transfer.
  • Lottery: Callers inform victims that they have won the lottery or another sweepstakes and that they must pay taxes or a small payment to receive the prize.
  • Utilities: One or two people go to a victim’s house, claiming to work for a utility company (PG&E, SMUD, Water District, Comcast, AT&T, etc.) and saying that something needs to be fixed right away. Once they gain access to the home, they steal things. Often there are two perpetrators; one pillages the house while the other distracts the victim outside. 
  • Grandparent Scam: Caller claims to be traveling in a foreign country with the victim’s grandchild who has been arrested and needs money.
These are only a few of the common scams currently making their way through Sacramento County. Schemes change often, and fraudsters are always trying to find new ways to deceive people.  Detective Medeiros has a few tips to help seniors identify potential perpetrators:

  1. Scams are typically initiated with unsolicited contact either through a phone call, email, or in-person. 
  2. Perpetrators will try to keep the victim distracted and keep him or her talking. 
  3. Perpetrators will create a sense of urgency, often telling victims they must pay now or something bad will happen. 
It is important to verify all information before sending any kind of monetary payment or allowing access to a residence. A legitimate company who contacts a client for a legitimate purpose will often encourage the client to verify the information the company representative is giving; someone who is attempting to scam an individual will discourage any attempt to verify information from a source other than them. It might be helpful to keep a list of contact numbers for law enforcement and utilities near the phone, for easy verification in an uncertain situation. 

 
“My best advice is to always verify before allowing entry or sending money,” says Detective Medeiros. A quick phone call to ask if a particular utility company has people in the area or if a grandchild is really out of the country can possibly prevent a person from becoming a victim. Medeiros continues, “Never use a phone number or email address solicitors give you; always get the phone number from a bill or find it online.” 

 
If you think you or an older family member may be a victim of a scam call law enforcement or Adult Protective Services at 916-874-9377. 

“Error​ on the side of caution,” says MacKenzie. “Reporting sooner rather than later can prevent additional loss.”

 

Contact Info:

SC Contact Information
Laura McCasland​​, Sacramento County Communication Team

Latest Headlines

  • The Importance of Alcohol Awareness Month
  • New SacCounty Health Order to Align with State
  • Young People Hard-Hit by STDs
  • Help Prevent Animal Cruelty in Your Community
  • Family Resources for Behavioral Health Needs

Categories

  • Animals/Pets/Insects
  • Art & Things To Do
  • County Governance, Operations, Policy
  • Economic Development, Community Planning, Agriculture
  • Emergency/Preparedness
  • Green & Technology
  • Health & Social Services
  • Law/Justice
  • Media Releases / Advisories
  • Parks/Recreation
  • Taxes & Voting
  • Transportation & Airports
  • Utility & Residential Services

News Archive

  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013

Photo Gallery
Check out our photo galleries showcasing the beauty of Sac County and our work to ensure it.
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Check out our videos about SacCounty Services.
Video Gallery
Sacramento365
A website designed to serve as the all-inclusive arts and entertainment resource for Sacramento County.
Sacramento365
More News
2021 Stories
2020 Stories
2019 Stories
2018 Stories
2017 Stories
2016 Stories
2015 Stories
2014 Stories
2013 Stories
Events
Countywide Calendar
Sacramento365
Galleries
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Public Information
Public Information Office
County Press Releases (2016-2010)
Public Records Act Requests
Contact Us

SACCOUNTY NEWS

Connect with us
Sign-up for news updates
Sign Up >
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Email
  • Sacramento Alert
  • LinkedIn
  • Flickr
  • News
  • Metro Cable
  • Instagram
© Copyright by SACCOUNTY NEWS
Website Policies Use | Contact Us | Report a Problem | Connect with Us | Website Feedback Form
Search