While you go frolicking under the sun and smelling flowers, con artists are busy putting together scams to rip your money off you. Yes, seniors are not alone in this battle, however, scam artists are almost always after seniors as they see us as very easy targets. Sounds unfair right? Unfortunately, it’s true. Better take it as a warning than an offensive statement. What seniors need to know though is that scams are often seasonal such that as season changes, so does scams. I would like to consider it as “scam rotation”. For this Spring season, be especially aware of these things as they can be the very scam you are trying to avoid:
·    Door-to-door scams. Sun is out, making it easier for scammers to scout your area on foot. One of the most popular door-to-door scams offers magazine subscription for a good cause which sadly, many seniors fall for it. Mechanics are pretty much the same:  someone knocks on your door and offers you something irresistible, after exhibiting great persuasion skills, the person selling you stuff will then require you a downpayment or worse, your credit card details. Either way, no magazine will ever materialize and your money gone forever. One way to avoid this is to put a “DO NOT KNOCK” sticker in front of your house and complain if someone does.
·    Spring Cleaning Scams. These scams are usually found in your mailbox, along with dozens of mind-boggling offers ranging from legit to downright ridiculous. Spring cleaning scams involve carpet, duct and chimney cleaning. No matter what they say, never accept an offer you did not ask for. Always stick with reputable companies if you need these things done and always ask for an ID when someone comes to do the job. Spring cleaning scams have only one goal when committed; it is to get inside your house.
·    Home Repair Fraud. Need to repair the roof? Or perhaps your gutters need some cleaning? Of course, your house must have something to be fixed considering the winter battering and all. Wouldn’t it be nice if some considerate, just passing by contractor happens to see your need and come knocking on your door, offering services at very low, low prices? Well, think again! Home repair fraud must be the most popular Spring season scam ever designed targeting seniors and elderly people!
·    Spring break scam. Here’s how it exactly goes, someone phones you claiming that he or she is your grandchild, on some faraway place–vacationing, since it’s spring break–but got into trouble and need money so badly. Now, your supposedly “grandchild” wants you to wire him or her the money so they can go home safe and sound. Since it has an emotional angle to it, many seniors, indeed, fall for this kind of scam. Authorities warn that it won’t hurt one bit if you just give the parents of your grandchild a call first and inform them of the information you just received before actually sending the money. If this is not possible at the moment, report to the authorities and let them help you find your grandchild.