There are a few topics that we cover regularly. Obviously, Medicare and Medigap Insurance plans are big on our list, and we always love to point out great senior travel or retirement spots across the country. Unfortunately, though, we’re finding that ID Theft among seniors is becoming a topic that we just can’t get away from.

Recently, we highlighted some of the Identity Theft and fraud issues facing seniors on a regular basis. However, today we wanted to look at the email and online hoaxes that are specifically targeted at getting seniors’ personal information, because this continues to be a serious problem. In many cases, these hoaxes promise money or added benefits, and, of course, they always present themselves as being completely legitimate:

“Many of the most commonly reported online scams are spread via email, according to the National Consumers League. These include work-at-home schemes, bogus credit card offers, fraudulent business opportunities, and offers of “free” goods.” (from Working Caregiver)

Along with these general email scams, there are also those that target very specific groups. The Federal Trade Commission released information on this ID Theft hoax that “Targets Elderly African Americans:”

Apply for Newly Approved Slave Reparations!
Claim $5,000 in Social Security Reimbursements!
Flyers with these instructions, circulating in many Southern and Midwestern African-American communities, are attempting to trick people into revealing personal identifying information that could, in turn, cost them money or damage their credit ratings.

The flyers, distributed in churches or placed on the windshields of parked cars or bulletin boards in senior centers and nursing homes, claim that African Americans born before 1928 may be eligible for slave reparations under a so-called “Slave Reparation Act” and that those born between 1917 and 1926 can apply for Social Security funds they are due because of a “fix” in the Social Security system.

If you encounter emails such as this or if you suspect other online sources as possible ID Theft hoaxes directed at seniors, you can contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or you can file a complaint with them online at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

We’re not suggesting that seniors need to be paranoid every time they open their email, but it’s important to be aware that these hoaxes are out there. If you keep up on some of the latest, you can save yourself a lot of trouble down the line.