What is it like to be a "Senior Citizen"? How many ways are there for Seniors to be "Scammed"?
Of course there are the scams/frauds that everyone of us has encountered. Don't tell me you haven't ever received the "Nigerian" letter or some variation of same. I just won't believe it, unless you have some special "Junk Mail/Spam Blockers" that I don't have. Please, if you do, let me know. I could sure use it.
Seniors are using the internet more and more and because they are so security concious (note the locks on the doors) or the fact that it is just easier to sit at home and not get out in our cold Minnesota winters it may be easier to order over the internet. No problem, we all know when you are older you are wiser, right? So what's to worry about? Well, let me tell you:
I clicked on an ad that offered a "FREE" trial. All you have to do is pay $4.95 for shipping. No, I'm not interested, the sample is probably not worth that. I exit. The chat lady says, "Wait just a minute! Before you leave the site, we have a special deal. You only have to pay $1.95 shipping. Click Here and you won't miss out. Not a bad deal, right? So I Click here.
What are the things I forgot to do? Let me tell you:
!. Did I read all the fine print about how to cancel if I didn't like the product? No, I assumed it would be obvious.
2. Did I know whether or not it was a legitimate company? No, I assumed because it was a product advertised on a national, respected, TV show it must be O.K.
3. Did I know where the company was located? Is a P.O. box a real "you can visit and walk in the store" location? NO it isn't!
4. Did I try to find out if there was a real geographical location? No!
5. Did I think to send an e-mail to see if they had a real, active e-mail account? No and if I had I probably wouldn't have thought to make sure it wasn't a FREE account.
6. Was there a phone number and does it work?
7: Did I think to use a Credit Card instead of my "Check/Debit" Card?
8: What about checking with the Better Business Bureau - did I even think to do that?
I have always considered myself to be overly cautious, Never buy from someone at the door, Never buy from someone on the phone. One time I let my guard down. The result was NOT pretty.
Check out this link regarding Internet Fraud where you will find information regarding all other types of Fraud: FBI'sWebSite. Also check out the Attorney General's Web Site in your state.
I'll be more careful in the future.
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