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Putting A Stop To Fraudulent American Benefits Calls Every Day

Written By: Irene Lefever
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: August 18, 2023
Last updated: December 27, 2023
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Consumer protection efforts resulted in more than $4.4 million in civil money penalties, but fraudulent calls and mailers misrepresenting lenders or loan servicers continue.[1]

With $1.8 billion from the healthcare industry, the government recovered $2.2 billion through the False Claims Act in 2020. Estimated recoveries for 2021-2022 are significantly higher.[2]

The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the public of a widespread fraud scheme and emphasizes that DEA personnel will never demand money or sensitive information over the phone.[3]

Being a senior offers perks like discounts but also increases vulnerability to scams, including Social Security and identity theft frauds. Despite consumer protection efforts resulting in over $4.4 million in civil money penalties, fraudulent calls, and mailers, often misrepresenting lenders or loan servicers, persist. 

To combat these incessant scam calls, registering with the National Do Not Call Registry is an effective measure. This free service, which doesn't expire, helps reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. Moreover, regularly updating your preferences on the registry can further enhance its effectiveness in protecting against fraudulent communications, contributing to ongoing efforts against such deceptive practices.

Fast Facts

The Senior Benefits Center was established in 2011 with a mission to assist the rapidly increasing senior population.

What to Know about the Senior Benefits Center

  • Foundation and Mission (2011): The Senior Benefits Center was established in 2011 with a mission to assist the rapidly increasing senior population, particularly those with limited annual incomes and retirees facing income constraints.
  • Vulnerability to Scams: As the number of seniors, particularly those aged 65 and older, grows by nearly 10,000 individuals daily, they become prime targets for scam callers. The US Census Bureau highlights that about 78 million baby boomers are transitioning into senior citizenship, often struggling with navigating health insurance and prescription drug plans.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Lack of Information and Education: Many seniors, especially those with moderate incomes, lack awareness of available assistance programs, including disability benefits and medical care. This gap in knowledge leaves them susceptible to deceptive sales and scam calls.
  • Exploitation Risks: Scammers often exploit enrollment periods, posing as licensed agents or government officials to extract personal information and funds.

Role of American Senior Benefits

  • Comprehensive Evaluations: American Senior Benefits and similar organizations play a crucial role by providing thorough evaluations of current benefits, encompassing health, life, Medicare, and wealth policies. This ensures that seniors are not only protected from potential fraud but also have access to suitable coverage and benefits.
  • Guidance by Licensed Professionals: These organizations employ licensed agents to guide seniors through various plan options, helping them choose premiums that align with their monthly incomes. However, seniors need to verify the credentials of these agents to ensure they are engaging with legitimate representatives and not falling prey to scam artists.

Guarding Against Unwanted Calls

In the age of advanced technology, it's crucial to be vigilant against scam calls, especially in light of recent government actions. In 2020, the government recovered $2.2 billion through the False Claims Act, with $1.8 billion coming from the healthcare industry alone, and estimated recoveries for 2021-2022 are projected to be significantly higher. 

This underscores the importance of being alert. If you receive unsolicited calls despite sharing your number only with trusted entities, immediate action is necessary to protect yourself from potential scams that are increasingly sophisticated and widespread.

Solutions from Service Providers

Your phone service provider may offer solutions like call-block apps to prevent unwanted sales calls.

Identifying Legitimate Calls

Legitimate entities, like your credit card company or government agencies, won't ask for personal details over the phone. Always verify the caller's identity through a direct phone call to the relevant organization.

Fast Facts

Regularly updating your preferences on the registry can further enhance its effectiveness in protecting against fraudulent communications.

Reporting Suspicious Calls

Report any suspicious calls to the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and National Consumers League Fraud Center to help bring scammers to justice.

Dealing with American Senior Benefits Calls

American Senior Benefits, a legitimate insurance and retirement planning company, may be impersonated by fraudsters. Note the caller's number for your complaint.

Protecting Personal Information

If you suspect a scam call, especially from someone claiming to be from American Senior Benefits, do not disclose personal or payment information. Be wary of threats or too-good-to-be-true offers.

Immediate Response to Scam Calls

Hang up quickly on suspicious calls and make it clear that you do not wish to be contacted again. Stay alert to the nature of such calls and avoid sharing your number with unknown parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why am I receiving calls from American Benefits?

These are deceptive telemarketing calls aiming to sell products or services. They use misleading tactics to engage potential customers.

2. What should I do if I get a call from American Benefits?

Immediately state your disinterest and use call blocking to prevent future calls.

  1. Report the call if you're on the National Do Not Call Registry and still receiving calls after 30 days.
  2. Inform the Federal Trade Commission, National Consumers League Fraud Center, or Federal Communications Commission about any suspicious calls.
  3. Never share personal information with telemarketers, even if the call seems legitimate.
3. Can I stop these calls permanently?

While registering with the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce the number of calls, it may not stop them entirely, especially from fraudulent groups. Consistently using call-blocking features and reporting unwanted calls can help minimize them.

Conclusion

Effectively halting fraudulent American Benefits calls demands vigilance and proactive measures. Registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, utilizing call-blocking services, and reporting suspicious calls are key strategies.

Remember, never share personal information during these calls. Stay informed, stay protected, and contribute to the fight against this pervasive telemarketing fraud that targets our communities daily. Your awareness and action can make a significant difference.

For seniors interested in planning for the future, take a look at Senior Strong’s article on how to plan for retirement!

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Irene Lefever is a senior advisor whose role is to make sure that senior citizens’ physical, mental, psychological, and emotional needs are catered to. Lefever got her degree in Multimedia Arts at the University of California, Riverside.
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