1. Presented by Detective Scott Sluder Winston-Salem Police Department
Fraud and the Elderly
Presented by
Detective Scott Sluder
Winston-Salem Police Department

2. Why Me?
Fraudsters target senior citizens because….. Generally good credit Trusting people They hope faltering memory combined with confident and convincing conversation will lead to a “payday”

3. Common Methods Unexpected Offers
Telephone – Grandparent, Phony “Official”
Letters – Sweepstakes, Secret Shopper
s – Bank, Credit Card, Lottery
In Person – Pigeon Drop, Repairs, Utilities

4. Theft of personal items
Common Methods
Theft of personal items
Sensitive documents – work, home, car
Purse / wallet – SS Card, ID Cards, checkbooks
Mail- checks, credit offers
Trash

5. Prevention Monitor account statements
Report suspicious activity – bank, creditors, police
Check credit report annually
Protect your SS Number – Don’t carry it !!!!
Protect your PIN numbers
Take bills to the Post Office – or pay online
Consider a Durable Power of Attorney

6. SHRED, SHRED, SHRED Use a cross cut shredder to destroy… Tax forms
Paper checks
Bank statements and credit card statements
Old credit cards, ID cards
Anything with account numbers or social security numbers
Anything with a signature on it

7. Resources
NC Attorney General Office –
(919)
Federal Trade Commission -
(877) ID Theft
(877)

8. Guiding Principles
KNOW to whom you are sending money & information – ask questions
Banks, lenders, credit card companies WILL NOT notify you to CONFIRM your personal information!!!!

9. Guiding Principles If you initiate contact – OK
If “THEY” initiate contact – “NOT OK”

10. Tried and True Rule
If it sounds too good to be true…………
IT IS!

11. QUESTIONS?

12. Presented by Detective Scott Sluder Winston-Salem Police Department
Fraud and the Elderly
Presented by
Detective Scott Sluder
Winston-Salem Police Department