Protecting Seniors

Senior Scams and Fraud Prevention


No matter your age, no one is immune to scams. Romance Scams are riskiest for ages 55 through 64. Travel and Vacation Timeshare scams are riskiest for ages 65+. BBB recommends the following precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

Know the Red Flags: Keep an eye out for the following too-good-to-be-true claims:

  • "Free", "low cost", or "buy one, get one" deal.
  • Request for unusual payment types (prepaid debit cards)
  • Claims you only pay postage or administrative fees.
  • Pressure to act now and/or aggressive tones.
  • Deals secured with credit cards or bank information.
  • Sure-fire investment opportunities.
  • Charities that send 100% of donations directly victims.

Phone Fraud: Fake telemarketers claim to be with a utility/bank/government agency. They demand payment. They may even have a caller ID to match their claims. However, caller IDs can be faked. When in doubt, hang up the phone and call the official source to verify unexpected or unusual claims.

Home Repair Scams: Con artists knock on doors with fake flyers stating they are doing landscaping, roofing, paving, etc. in the area. They demand cash up front and don't do the work.

Grandparent Scam: Scammer impersonates grandchild and whisper saying they are in trouble and need money.

Medicare/Medicaid Fraud: Fake representative gets personal information to open accounts and apply for credit cards.

Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams: To get the "prize" you have to send money for taxes, shipping, or processing fees.

Funeral Scams: Scammer reads obituary and reaches out to widow claiming there is money owed for some past business.

Sweetheart Swindles: Scammers create compelling backstories and identities online and charms the victim over a period of time. Then they ask for money for an emergency, medical expenses, or other heartbreaking issues.

Report Scams: at www.bbb.org/scamtracker or 901-759-1300

Protecting Vulnerable Adults

Vulnerable Person Abuse Hotline: 844-437-6282

Elder abuse is "the willful infliction of physical pain, injury, or mental anguish on a vulnerable adult; the unreasonable confinement of a vulnerable adult; or the willful deprivation by a caretaker of services which are necessary to maintain the mental and physical health of a vulnerable adult."

Ombudsman Program

Serves as an advocate to residents of long-term care facilities by investigating concerns and complaints of facilities. They also answer questions, provide information, and give referrals for long-term care residents. Call 662-360-7333 or visit www.ndpdd.com/services.

Legal Services

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services-Elder Law

Civil legal assistance; wills, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, quitclaim deeds, etc. Email apc@nmrls.com or call 662-234-2918 ext. 2119.

Mississippi Center for Justice

A nonprofit law firm committed to advancing racial and economic justice, and combating discrimination and poverty. Call 601-352-2269 or visit www.mscenterforjustice.org. 

Disability Rights Mississippi 

 Free legal services for people with disabilities in the following areas: special education, Americans ADA compliance, protection from abuse/neglect, Medicaid, and community services. Call 601-968-0600 or visit www.drms.ms.

University of Mississippi School of Law Pro Bono Initiative

Students supervised by a professor, and volunteer attorneys, work directly with clients 662-915-7429.

American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi

Through advocacy, education and litigation, the ACLU of MS defends and protects the constitutional rights of people across Mississippi. 601-354-3408.

Job Program

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Employment training for lower-income Mississippians 55 and older. Provides part-time work experience which enables seniors to obtain work skills necessary for permanent employment. Adults in the program generally work an average of 20 hours a week and receive at least minimum wage. Call 662-561-4100.