Tips for The Elderly For Avoiding Fraud

Some Tips on Avoiding Fraud 

Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
Never give blanket authorization to a medical provider to bill for services.
Do not do business with door-to-door telephone salespeople who tell you that they are selling medical equipment.
Keep accurate records of all healthcare appointments.
Know if your physician ordered equipment for you.
Use caution when buying drugs from the Internet.

Funeral and Cemetary Fraud

Do not be pressured by high priced pitches from funeral vendors.
Require all proposed plans and purchases to be in writing.
Before you consider prepaying, make sure you are well informed.
Take a family member or friend with you and share our specific wishes with them.
Be informed about caskets before you buy one.
Be an informed consumer. Take time to call and shop around before making a purchase.
Remember, Funeral Homes are required to provide a detailed price list over the phone or in writing. They are required to include their lower priced items on that list.

Telemarketing Fraud

Don't purchase anything over the phone.
Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity.
Please remember, just because it is in writing it is not necessarily the truth.
If you do choose to give money or make a donation to a charity find out what percentage of the money is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity.
Before sending money to anyone, ask yourself a simple question, " What guarantee do I really have that this solicitor will use the money in the manner we agreed upon?"
Always take your time in making a decision.
Legitimate companies won't pressure you to make a snap decision.
Never respond to an offer you don't understand thoroughly.
Never give any of your financial information to anyone over the phone.
Never give any personal information to anyone over the phone. Ask them for a call back number. If they state they are unable to do so, hang up the phone.
If you have been victimized in the past, be wary of persons requesting a fee paid in advance.