EP08: COVID Scams and the Older Adult

<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">COVID Scams and the Older Adult</span></em></p> <p><strong><em>"At least 20% of older adults have been the victim of some fraudulent scheme."</em></strong><strong>- Melissa B </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scams cost America’s seniors nearly $3 billion dollars a year according to the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging. In the past, these scams include themes like impersonating the IRS, Sweepstakes Scams, Grandparent Scams and/ or Romance Scams. With the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors (and people of all ages) need to be able to recognize these scammers and stop them in their tracks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode, find out</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">What type of scams should older adults be aware of? </span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">How can they identify red flags and protect themselves?</span></em> <span style= "font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With us is Lisa O’Neill, Associate Director of Research and Education at the University of Arizona, has a doctorate in Behavioral Health, and a 2019-2020 Health and Aging Policy Fellow. </span></p> <p><strong>Part One of COVID Scams and the Older Adult  </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scams always happen, and they change depending on the situation. Generally, we have scams like the lottery scam, bank scam, even home repair scams. Scams happens almost every day. But during this pandemic, scammers have found more ways to trick people, most notably older adults. </span></p> <p><strong><em>"Many older adults are more isolated than normal, which puts them at higher risk." - Lisa O'Neill </em></strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What are the common scams during the COVID pandemic that target older adults? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scammers may go door-to-door or call you, offering:</span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-w