Beware! Scams Are Alive and Thriving

Bad guys lacking moral character find the senior citizen community an easy mark to prey on.

Just this week, I heard about an incident happening to an older man in Bonita. He had decided to sell some vacation property he was no longer using. In the snap of a finger, not only was that land put on the market for sale but also his home and property in Bonita where he was living. He was literally being forced out of his home against his will with not enough profit to find another.

Luckily for this man, his neighbors were alert and are working on getting him out of a very bad situation. Not everyone is so lucky.

"Criminals target older adults through technology, impersonating government officials, investment schemes and using scare tactics to trick seniors out for their money. The scammers are relentless, and their coordinated attacks are designed to take advantage of the most vulnerable." —Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office

Scams on older citizens in this community and surrounding areas are happening daily. I'm sure you've heard the saying "It's like taking candy from a baby." And in some of these cases, the whole candy store is ransacked.

The world we live in is quite different from the world we grew up in. We used to be able to say that most of the people in this world were good. Recent statistics show that is no longer the case and the villains make up 60% of the population.

It could be someone you know and who you'd never think would take from you. But acting has become a very resourceful and rewarding career and scoundrels can use it to steal you blind.

There are many out there that would rather acquire money by thievery than work hard and earn a living.

They are always on the prowl . . . looking for an unlocked door or a trusting person. Don't assume that because someone has a nice appearance that they are a decent person. And if they're asking too many questions, stop them short by asking "Why do you want to know?"

Who Can I Contact or Call For Help?

"The San Diego Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF) combines the efforts of the County’s Aging and Independent Services, the District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, local law enforcement, and the Law Enforcement Coordination Center to focus solely on the financial exploitation of older adults. The task force investigates cases, prosecutes criminals, and seizes and recovers lost funds whenever possible. In San Diego County, the EJTF sees over 1,000 reported victims of senior fraud annually with over $100 million in reported losses. The Task Force also is convinced the true numbers are much higher because elder fraud is chronically underreported due to shame and embarrassment." —Anita Lightfoot of the County of San Diego Communications Office

If you, a member of your family or a neighbor are a victim of elder abuse, call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-339-4661.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Cover of booklet | Click to enlarge

The County of San Diego—along with Live Well San Diego and the San Diego District Attorney's Office—has composed a 20-page booklet.

"Don't Get Hooked" will teach you about ways to protect yourself, types of scams, how to respond to scams and resources to use. It's worth printing out and giving to your family members and neighbors. It might save someone from a depleted bank account.

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