MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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August 24, 2010

Watch out for scams on elderly

— Police recently warned about scams targeting the elderly — bilking them out of thousands of dollars.

We find particular contempt for those that prey on the vulnerable members of our society.

The scams take several forms.

The scammers will call a person and say their child or grandchild has been in an accident. The scammers will ask that money be wired to help the injured child or grandchild.

This is disgusting. To scare anyone about their children takes an absolute lowlife to even consider the possibility.

Other scams revolve around winning prizes — such as a magazine contest, which promises huge amounts of money in exchange for paying the taxes up front.

Many elderly are on fixed incomes and need every penny.

Many elderly have spent their entire working lives doing something constructive for society, only to have some person incapable of a solid day’s work come along.

The following advice applies to anyone, but particularly to the elderly: Never give your personal information to anyone in which you are not 100 percent confident.

Remember that most scams are enticing because they appear to be too good to be true.

Check out the situation thoroughly or ask someone to check it out for you.

For those with  elderly parents or friends, watch out for them as well.

Remind them of those individuals that prey on the innocent and trusting.

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