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.
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.
Your phone service provider may offer solutions like call-block apps to prevent unwanted sales 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.
Report any suspicious calls to the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and National Consumers League Fraud Center to help bring scammers to justice.
American Senior Benefits, a legitimate insurance and retirement planning company, may be impersonated by fraudsters. Note the caller's number for your complaint.
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.
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.
These are deceptive telemarketing calls aiming to sell products or services. They use misleading tactics to engage potential customers.
Immediately state your disinterest and use call blocking to prevent future calls.
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.
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!
