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Slide 1: Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Des Moines, Iowa, Helps Seniors Avoid Being Swindled The old adage, "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is," may not be that far off the mark. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, types of fraud that are commonly perpetrated, many against the elderly, include: • • • • • • • Health insurance Counterfeit medications Cemetery and funeral fraud Fraudulent "anti-aging" products Telemarketing fraud Internet schemes Reverse mortgage scams Not all of these products or services are inherently bad or fraudulent. However, all of us, especially seniors, need to be aware and vigilant of those who try to take unfair advantage of others. The FBI lists five reasons why the elderly might be more susceptible to fraud. Older Americans: 1. are most likely to have savings, own their home and/or have excellent credit all of which the con-man will try to tap into by focusing his/her efforts on this population. 2. grew up in the 1930s - 1950s and were generally raised to be polite and trusting. Con men exploit these traits knowing that it is difficult for these individuals to say "no" or just hang up the phone. 3. are less likely to report a fraud because they don't know to whom to report it; are ashamed at having been scammed; or don't know they have been scammed. And elderly victims fear that relatives may conclude that they can no longer handle their own financial affairs. 4. who do report the crimes often make poor witnesses because of the effects of age on memory and the con man counts on this. 5. make up the segment of the population most concerned about issues and products that promise increased cognitive function, virility, physical conditioning, anti-cancer properties, and so on. For more information and tips on how to spot and avoid fraudulent offers of all types, go to: http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/seniorsfam.htm. About Senior Helpers: Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in the Des Moines, West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston and Ankeny areas. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our inhome care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.
Slide 2: If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Polk County IA and Dallas County IA, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http:/seniorhelpers.com/location/1906.