Fraud targeting seniors is a pervasive issue, with older adults losing over $3 billion annually to various scams. – FBI
A particularly concerning trend is the theft of health information, which poses significant risks to seniors.
Why Health Information Is Targeted
Health records contain sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, medical histories, and insurance details. This information is highly valuable to cybercriminals, who can use it for identity theft, fraudulent billing, and creating counterfeit identities. Unlike credit card information, which can be quickly changed if compromised, health information is enduring, making its misuse more challenging to detect and rectify.
Common Scams Targeting Seniors
- Medicare and Health Insurance Scams: Scammers pose as Medicare representatives to extract personal information or offer unnecessary services to bill Medicare fraudulently. – NCOA
- Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters claim to be tech support agents, convincing seniors that their computers are infected and charging fees for unnecessary or nonexistent services. – Money US News
- Phishing Emails and Calls: Scammers send emails or make calls pretending to be from legitimate organizations, prompting seniors to provide personal information or click on malicious links. – National Institute on Aging
Protective Measures for Seniors
- Safeguard Personal Information: Never share personal or health information over the phone or online unless you are certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications: Approach unexpected calls or emails requesting personal information with caution. Verify the source independently before responding.
- Monitor Financial and Medical Statements: Regularly review bank statements and medical bills for unfamiliar charges or services.
- Report Suspected Fraud: If you suspect fraud, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–372–8311 or visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. – National Institute on Aging
As technology advances, so do the tactics of fraudsters. By staying informed and vigilant, seniors can protect themselves from scams that exploit their health information. Awareness and proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding personal data and financial well-being.
