The holiday season is a joyous time, but sadly it can also be a time of greed and deception. Scammers have been known to increase their efforts to deceive the elderly at the end of the year. Caregivers from Visiting Angels – Toms River provide compassionate senior care services, and they are aware of this unfortunate occurrence.

Thanks to their care, companionship, and attention, they have gained some valuable insight when it comes to scammers who prey on the elderly. Here are some red flags to look out for during the holiday season:

• The Relative Connection: Scammers are known to take advantage of senior care patients by pretending to be a distant family member or a family friend who is undergoing some sort of hardship, be it an accident or an illness. Scammers use this as an excuse to request money. The best way to verify the person’s authenticity is to contact family or friends to ensure they are familiar with the person. Be warned that the person may insist that it’s not necessary to follow up—which is a major red flag!
• The IRS Scam: Hearing from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) isn’t always pleasant, but one thing they do not do is call people demanding that they pay a debt on the spot. A common scam demands immediate payment in the form of a prepaid card or cash. Keep in mind that the IRS always sends a letter regarding any debts that are owed. Follow up by calling the IRS to determine whether the patient in senior care actually owes anything.
• The Charity Impersonation: Another common problem is scammers who impersonate charities. The culprit will create a fake charity and encourage his victim to “donate” to the cause. It’s important to verify the existence of the charity before making a donation. Look up the organization online—ideally, it should have a noteworthy presence with address and phone information available.

As elderly care providers, the team at Visiting Angels Toms River has their clients’ best needs in mind. Fostering a sense of companionship during the holiday season, they help home care and geriatric care patients feel loved and appreciated while looking out for their well-being. For more information on their home care services,  go to Visiting Angels – Toms River’s website or call (732) 240-1050.