In recent years, millions of elderly Americans fell victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme including romance, lottery and sweepstakes scams, just to name a few.

Criminals will gain their targets “trust” and may communicate with them directly online, over the phone and / or through the mail. Also be cautious of scams on the T.V. or radio.

Data shows that with the elderly population growing and seniors racking up more than $7 Billion in losses annually, elder fraud has remained a growing problem. Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit.

The FBI recommends ways to protect yourself from these fraudsters and scammers.

• Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.

• Create a shared verbal family password or phrase that only you and your loved ones know. Search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number, addresses) and the proposed offer.

• Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action.

• Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.

• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door services offers.

• Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, gold or other precious metals, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.

• Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls.

• Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Pop-ups are regularly used by perpetrators to spread malicious software. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.

• Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know, and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.

• Take precautions to protect your identity if a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts, and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity.

• If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, file a complaint at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Golden Bridge Network is having our 8th Senior Expo and Health Fair. This event is scheduled on April 25th at the Woodland Park Community Church. This event goes from 9:00 to 1:00pm. There will be vendors and speakers along with the Health Fair sponsored by Teller County Public Health & Environment. For more information contact the Woodland Park Senior Center or Teller Senior Coalition. Come and enjoy the resources available, socialize and get some delicious food provided by the Aspen Living Center.

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Phyllis Burton MSN, RN is the Adult Protection Supervisor for Teller County. She has over 35 years of experience in nursing, working in the hospital setting. She has worked in both the clinical area and case management. Her most recent experience includes working as a manager for case management. She has been a resident of Teller County since 1991 and has a husband and daughter who enjoy the ranching lifestyle. The Golden Bridge Network bridges seniors and services through enhanced communication and process improvement in Teller County and the neighboring communities. To learn more, visit the Golden Bridge Network Facebook page.