Older adults' good manners make them susceptible to scams, FBI says
Among the most common swindles, according to the FBI, is medical equipment fraud, where a con artist offers a “free” device you don’t need. Credit: iStock
Why are older adults often victims of scam artists? It may because their good manners make them easy prey for bad people.
The FBI says people born in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s "were generally raised to be polite and trusting" and find it hard to say no to con artists. Also, criminals know the facts: Many older people don't call police after they are victimized or make poor witnesses when they do report a crime.
Among the most common swindles, according to the FBI, is medical equipment fraud, where a con artist offers a "free" device you don't need. In many cases, the cost of the device, which may not even be delivered, is billed to Medicare in your name, leaving you responsible for any co-payments.
The FBI has a tip sheet on frauds targeting seniors at nwsdy.li/fbiseniors
