Due to their vulnerably, it is often the case that fraudulent solicitors target the elderly by attempting to confuse or force them into giving without their consent. In fact, a 1995 AARP study found that more than half of the individuals targeted for victimization were age 50 or older – a particularly high proportion since people in that age group comprise only one-third of the general population.  While such victimization isn’t completely preventable, utilizing some important safety tips can help to avoid such instances where possible.

Useful tips regarding the seniors:

• Never let any salesperson/solicitor fill out a check for them.  Infact, don't let them in the door.  Solicitors have been known to call and then show up in nursing homes to assist with their
  donation!

• Give power of attorney to their next of kin now, so they can manage the unwanted mail and phone problems, theft from accounts, credit reports, etc.

• Hang up the phone if they do not know the caller.  They are not required to be polite on unwanted calls.

• Avoid giving out their checking account number for automatic debits. Instead, get the business's address and tell them you'll schedule a payment to go to them.

• Know the correct name of the charity they always give to and be aware of all the sound-alike charities out there.

• Call their state charity regulator to check out the registration and financial status of whoever called or wrote before responding with a donation.  Call for all the reasons mentioned above.

Helpful links

• http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/consume/d17812_fraud.pdf