Tips for Preventing Frauds and Scams Against Seniors Con artists often regard older persons as easy targets.  Every senior should be aware of these scams and how to avoid them. 1. Scams and Frauds At the Door: Sales Many door-to-door sales are not your best buy. Legitimate sales people will not rush you. Provincial laws protect you against quick sales at your door. Inquire and be sure.  Home Improvement Offers Beware of tempting offers to fix roofs, driveways, etc. Contractors saying that they are working in your area, or have extra material can not be trusted. Get estimates from two or three contractors in writing before hiring anyone. Note: - You do not have to open your door to anyone, but you should answer so that the caller is aware that someone is home. Just look through your peephole and speak through the solid door. Note: You do not have to open your door to anyone, but you should answer so that the caller is aware that someone is home.  Just look through your peephole and speak through the solid door. 2. Scams and Frauds through the Mail and Over the Phone: Contest Winners Being a real contest winner will not cost you a penny. Never send money to win a prize, no matter how tempting it sounds. Chain Referral Schemes A commission for buying one item if you sell additional ones to friends usually involves overpriced articles that are difficult to sell. Retirement Estates Any vacation or retirement estates offered at a conspicuously low price to "lucky" individuals are usually fraudulent and should be avoided. Business Opportunities Work-at-home schemes which promise high profits, usually require a substantial investment and seldom ever make a profit. 3. Other Scams and Frauds Against Seniors: Bank Inspector A phony bank inspector or phony police officer contacts you and asks for your help in catching a dishonest bank employee. He asks you to withdraw a specified amount of cash from your account, to check the serial numbers. After turning over your money to the examiner, you will never hear from him again. 4. Some General Tips for Your Protection: Do not rush into anything involving your money or property.  Never give out your credit card number over the phone to anyone you do not know.  Don’t tell anyone your PIN or bank account numbers.  Never sign a contract until you and your lawyer, banker or other expert has thoroughly read it.  Ask for identification from a salesman or public official, like an inspector.  Report all suspicious offers to the police immediately.  Arrange for incoming cheques to be sent directly to your bank.  Don't let others be victimized!  Anyone can be a victim of fraud or a scam - it's not limited to seniors. Source: http://www.cpatoronto.org/crime_prevention_tips.htm