Elder Fraud is a 36 Billion Dollar Problem
Thieving fraudsters are making a business of taking advantage of older adults. Almost 4 in 10 seniors are affected, losing over $36 billion each year to financial abuse.And this isn’t only happening to the very old or those with Alzheimer’s or dementia – younger, more educated seniors are actually losing more money.
Did you know that the amount of junk mail your older adult receives is a sign of their fraud risk? It means that their names are on multiple mailing lists that scammers can use to contact them.
To reduce their risk of getting scammed, we share 4 highly recommended options to get rid of your older adult’s junk mail.
Getting rid of junk mail might seem like a lot of work, but it’s well worth it if it protects your older adult from losing their life savings to fraud.
Reduce Fraud Risk by Getting Rid of Junk Mail
Putting a stop to the junk mail being sent to your older adult’s house is essential for reducing their fraud risk.
It also reduces the risk that someone with early dementia would repeatedly donate to multiple charities, sign up for many credit cards, or spend an excessive amount on catalog purchases.
4 Options for Getting Rid of Junk Mail
We found 4 ways to get your older adult off of direct marketing mailing lists. They were recommended by a woman with a lot of experience. She found and used these resources while on a mission to stop her grandmother’s flood of junk mail – 130 pieces each week! Note: Don’t be discouraged if the junk mail doesn’t stop instantly. Most companies prepare their mailings 3 months ahead of time, so it will take about 3 months to see a reduction.
- DMAChoice
The junk mail expert says this is the #1 way to stop junk mail and that most people will only need to complete this form. Registering with DMAChoice stops mail from companies that your older adult has never purchased from or donated to. You could use the regular form or the one specifically for caregivers. - National Do Not Mail List
This is another company you can use to opt-out from junk mail. It’s not the same as DMAChoice so you could register with both organizations.
- Opt-Out Pre-Screen(1-888-5-OPT-OUT)
This company stops credit card offers. FYI: They will ask for a Social Security Number. The junk mail expert says this is legitimate because that’s the way credit bureaus identify people. - InfoCision
This is a telemarketing company, but they also manage mailing lists for their clients.
Call (330) 668-1400 or email infocis@infocision.com to request removal from their lists. This can also help reduce those relentless telemarketing phone calls.
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Indulgy
OriginaLly posted: https://dailycaring.com/get-rid-of-junk-mail-to-prevent-elder-fraud/
Today, New Perspective Senior Living operates 25+ senior living communities serving over 2,000 seniors through Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, with a goal to be serving 10,000 seniors by 2025. Based in Eden Prairie, Minn., the company has won multiple awards including Top Assisted Living Facility, Best-of-the-Best Dining Experience and Top Workplaces. In addition, Todd Novaczyk, was recently profiled in the Senior Housing News, The Leadership Series, while Ryan Novaczyk was just named to 50 for the Next 50 by Leading Age of Minnesota.