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ElderSAFE™ Center, a
program of Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), is committed to
safeguarding older adults from financial exploitation.
During these
unprecedented times, as cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread
across our region, we are also seeing a surge in scams capitalizing on
fears surrounding this pandemic. Scammers are offering COVID-19
testing, promises of a vaccine or cure, or ways to obtain hard to
locate products. Please consider the following five tips to protect
yourself and loved ones:
- Avoid telemarketing calls or email
solicitations. Scammers may call or email pretending to represent
the government, charities, airlines or healthcare agencies. They
take advantage of the fear surrounding the crisis of this pandemic
to collect personal information that can be used to steal or
defraud.
- Take extra precaution about the information you
share over the phone and online. Never provide your date of birth,
social security number, financial data or other personal
information without verifying the authenticity of the request.
- Look out for scams that claim to have a product
that will prevent, treat, diagnose or cure COVID-19. Scammers offering
products that are difficult to find may charge above market value
and never send the product after receiving your payment.
- Be cautious of COVID-19 tracking apps. These
apps may be used to steal your sensitive information or control
your phone.
- Do not open your door to someone you do not
know, and keep your neighbors informed when door-to-door services
like home repair, sanitation or COVID-19 home testing
representatives are in your neighborhood.
On May 6, 2020 at noon,
CESLC will host a Facebook Live event featuring ElderSAFE Center
Community Educator Sydney Palinkas to discuss these threats to older
adults. I invite you to follow our Facebook page and tune into the live
event here.
As we face the steep
challenges ahead, rest assured we remain committed to protecting the
safety and well-being of the older adults we serve in our residential
and broader CESLC community.
Wishing you continued
health and safety,
Tovah Kasdin
Director, ElderSAFE Center
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