Ah, the internet: it has brought unprecedented connectivity, allowing you to share your daughter's dance recital video with your hundreds of Facebook friends at the click of a mouse. But as the saying goes, "Every rose has its thorn." Beyond the perils of procrastination from doomscrolling on Reddit or mindlessly bingeing TikTok videos, there's a far more sinister side to the online world that we need to discuss: the ever-growing and increasingly sophisticated "industry" of online scams. Here are some of the most common.
The infamous fake refund is the bread and butter of many sleazy scam outfits. These operations often involve dozens of scammers working out of fake call centers. It all begins with an email invoice for an antivirus subscription service plan or a random purchase from a company like Norton, Best Buy, or Amazon.
Next, they will ask if you indeed made that purchase. Once you deny it, they will suggest you download a remote access tool like AnyDesk or TeamViewer, ostensibly to help process a refund. This software gives them control over your computer beyond just screen sharing. They will then ask you to log into your account to process the refund. While they pretend they can only observe your screen, they have full control.
They will ask you to enter the amount of the supposed refund (say it's $200). As you type it in, they tap the zero key on their keyboard just before you hit return, modifying it to a much larger amount like $2000. They manipulate the website's HTML code behind the scenes to make it appear as though you received thousands of dollars that you do not actually have. Then the acting begins: "Oh no, what did you do?" they might exclaim, insisting on the return of their $1800 overpayment or they will lose their job. Any logical offer from the intended victim to simply reverse the transfer through the bank will be met with resistance. The scammer will insist on receiving payment through gift cards, demanding that you purchase them and then read off the codes. This is because gift cards are virtually untraceable and can be quickly converted into cash or sold on online marketplaces, making them the preferred method of payment for scammers.
Also referred to by the delightful moniker “pig-butchering” scams (because they fatten you up with affection before slaughtering your finances), these scams often begin with an innocuous message supposedly meant for someone else. The scammer’s profile picture, posing as an extremely attractive man or woman, will immediately follow up to apologize for the mistake and “introduce themselves,” usually sending you a picture of an extremely attractive person.
In reality, the person you are communicating with is a scammer working out of a call center who looks nothing like the person in the photos. In texts overflowing with heart emojis, kissy faces, and declarations of adoration, they quickly escalate the conversation into professions of ardent love and attraction, claiming you're their soulmate, the one they've been waiting for their entire life. Once they've roped you into this illusional whirlwind romance, they have a number of approaches to scam you.
Red flags to watch out for include claims of having professions that involve international aspects, such as being in the military or stationed overseas for work as excuses for why they can't meet up yet—but they promise they will soon if you just send more money! They won’t talk on the phone or video call, citing excuses to hide their tell-tale accent or wrong gender. They may request money for emergencies, travel expenses, medical bills, or other urgent needs, all the while filled with over-the-top declarations of love and affection early in the conversation. Additionally, they may ask for personal information, banking details, or copies of your ID.
Medicare is unquestionably one of the most relied-upon and utilized lifelines for seniors, providing essential healthcare coverage when it's needed most. However, as with all good things these days, it has become fertile ground for scammers to exploit.
Medicare scammers have various approaches. They might call you pretending to be from Medicare, claiming they need to update your information or offering you a "free" medical device or service. Don't fall for it! Medicare will never contact you out of the blue asking for personal information or pushing unnecessary services. Another common tactic is the "new Medicare card" scam, where the scammers tell you that you need to pay a fee for a new card and ask that you provide your banking information to get your benefits. Remember, Medicare cards are always free, and they won't ask for your financial details over the phone.
Be on the lookout for fake medical equipment suppliers too. They might try to sell you overpriced or unnecessary devices, claiming Medicare will cover the cost. Always check with your doctor before purchasing any medical equipment and make sure the supplier is legitimate.
The Grandparent Scam preys on the love and concern grandparents have for their grandchildren. In this scam, the fraudster calls or emails, pretending to be a distressed grandchild. They might claim to be in a legal or medical emergency, needing money urgently. Often, the scammer will ask the grandparent not to tell the parents, playing on the desire to help quietly. The scammer will ask for money to be sent via wire transfer or gift cards. Always verify such requests by contacting other family members or the supposed grandchild directly before sending any money.
Bank impersonation scams are designed to trick you into giving away your personal banking information. Recently, these scams have evolved to become particularly pernicious. Initially, you might receive a clumsily written email or text message that appears to be from your bank, raising your suspicions. This initial contact is actually a tactic to prime you for the second act of the scam. Once you're on alert, you receive a more convincing phone call from someone claiming to be your bank's fraud department, informing you of suspicious activity on your account.
They will ask you to confirm your account details, personal information, and passwords, supposedly to secure your account. Feeling relieved that the scam has been intercepted, you readily hand over the information. Armed with these details, the scammers can transfer your money into their accounts or even take out loans in your name, leaving you with a massive negative balance. Remember, your bank will never ask for sensitive information over the phone or via email. Always call your bank using the official contact number if you suspect fraudulent activity.
Investment scams promise high returns with little to no risk. These scams can take many forms, including Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, and fraudulent investment opportunities. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, insisting that you must act immediately or miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime.
Common red flags include promises of guaranteed returns, pressure to reinvest earnings, and lack of detailed information about the investment. They may also use professional-looking websites and documents to appear legitimate. Always research any investment opportunity thoroughly, consult with a trusted financial advisor, and be wary of unsolicited offers. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The issue of age discrimination becomes increasingly relevant as we grow older. Understanding and enforcing age discrimination is crucial in order to protect older adults, who can be particularly vulnerable to bias. Fortunately, the United States government has several safeguards in place in order to protect older adults from the consequences of age discrimination. In this informative article, we will navigate through the complexities of this pressing issue and provide valuable guidance to help protect the aging population from discrimination.
Age discrimination generally involves treating someone less than favorably due to his or her age. In most cases, age discrimination is referred to in an employment setting. This refers to making employment-related decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotions, or compensation, based on a person's age rather than their abilities or qualifications. In this article, our primary focus will be on this particular form of age discrimination. However, it is essential to keep in mind that age discrimination can occur in a variety of instances beyond employment, such as workplace compensation, housing, healthcare, and education. It typically affects older workers, such as those 40 years old and up. Examples include not hiring older applicants because of assumptions they lack new skills or have health issues, or providing inadequate treatment in a hospital due to a person’s age. Harassment, insults, and denying opportunities to older workers is also considered age discrimination when it creates a hostile work environment.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal statute that forbids age discrimination in the United States against people who are age 40 or older. The law protects against discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or terms, conditions or privileges of employment. For instance, according to the ADEA, it is illegal to deny a promotion to an older adult simply because they are older. This means that qualifications, experience, and performance should be the determining factors, not the individual's age.
The ADEA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as employment agencies and labor organizations. It is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against must file a charge with the EEOC before they can file a lawsuit against the employer.
In 1990, the ADEA was amended to include the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA). This federal law requires employers to offer older workers benefits that are equal to or, in some cases, cost the employer as much as the benefits it offers to younger workers. This is to prevent employers from reducing benefits to older employees simply because those benefits might cost more. It also applies to early retirement incentives and severance benefits offered by companies that are contingent on an employee waiving their rights to future age discrimination claims. This makes sure the employee has all the information they need to decide if they should sign the waiver or not. If an agreement fails to meet OWBPA requirements, impacted employees can pursue ADEA claims regardless of what they signed.
Certain forms of age discrimination can be classified as harassment. As per the ADEA, it is unlawful to harass a person because of his or her age. Examples of unlawful age-related harassment under the ADEA could include using derogatory insults about the employee's age, making offensive jokes related to age, excluding or isolating the employee due to their age, and assigning more unfavorable work tasks solely because of age. In general, the law is particularly concerned with behavior that is severe enough to create a hostile work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating or abusive. Employers are required by law to create and enforce policies that prevent age-related harassment and to take immediate and appropriate action when they become aware of such conduct. This includes investigating complaints and taking steps to ensure such behavior is promptly addressed and ceased. Individuals who have experienced harassment due to age discrimination are also advised to consult with an attorney.
It should be noted that many states have their own laws prohibiting age discrimination. In some cases, these laws provide an additional layer of protection against discrimination against older adults in the workplace. In other words, state laws may override specific criteria that are required to be met under the ADEA. For instance, a state may ban age discrimination even in cases where an employer has less than 20 employees. Alternatively, some state laws may also protect younger workers from age discrimination and not just those over the age of 40. Before filing an age discrimination claim, it is imperative to check the specific laws in your state. It is advised to work with a specialized elder law attorney who is familiar with the regulations in your jurisdiction.
Age discrimination remains a critical issue to address as the population ages. Consulting with an elder law attorney can help aging adults understand their rights and legal options in the face of age discrimination. With proper legal guidance, older adults can assert their equal rights and dignity in employment and all aspects of life. Connect with an expert elder law attorney today with Attorney At Law.
Making decisions about end of life plans and care can be difficult. However, it is crucial to have open and honest conversations with your loved ones - and yourself - to ensure that your wishes are respected. In this informative legal guide, we will explore some of the most critical questions to ask yourself and your loved ones as you navigate the closing chapters of life’s journey.
A living will, also known as an Advance Healthcare Directive, is a document that allows you to express your desires regarding medical treatment in the event that you are no longer able to express your own wishes due to incapacitation or severe illness. This essential document will serve as a legally binding guide to ensure that your healthcare preferences are respected, even if you are unable to clearly communicate them. Since life circumstances and health preferences can change over time, it is advisable to review your living will regularly. Consider recent significant life events such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child or death of a spouse. Any new medical diagnoses or changes in health may also lead to changes in your living will. By keeping your living will up to date, you can have peace of mind knowing that your healthcare preferences will be respected and that you've taken steps to alleviate the decision-making burden from your loved ones during potentially stressful times.
While estate distribution plans can be complex, it is crucial to address how you would like your assets to be handled upon your passing. Ensuring that your estate plan is up to date can prevent unnecessary stress and conflict among family members during a time of grief. Estate planning typically begins by compiling a list of assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and insurance policies. This will help provide a clear picture of what your estate consists of. Next, it is advised to establish a last will and testament. This document, which differentiates from a living will, specifies where your assets will go upon your death. In other words, it offers clear instructions regarding who will inherit your money, possessions and property. Additionally, your will can address how any outstanding debts, taxes or liabilities will be settled in the event of your death. In most jurisdictions, for a last will and testament to be legally binding, it must be witnessed and notarized. Be sure to tackle this issue during end of life planning to prevent any misunderstandings and conflict amongst your loved ones.
Picturing the final days of your life is a deeply personal reflection that can significantly influence your end of life planning. It encompasses not just where you want to be and who you want to be with, but also what kind of care you wish to receive, how you want to manage pain or discomfort, and what you want your loved ones to know. Decide on your location of care where you would prefer to spend your last days. This could be in the comfort of your own home, or a hospice or hospital where you can receive specialized care. Moreover, this is the right time to reflect on the level of medical intervention you wish to receive. This could range from full curative attempts to comfort care, which focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life without aggressive treatments.
If spirituality and religion is an important value for you, outline any practices you wish to observe during your final days. Communicate these wishes to your family members to guarantee that they will be honored.
Specifying your funeral and burial wishes is an emotional endeavor, but it can provide immense comfort and relief to loved ones after you pass away. Think through details such as whether you prefer a somber funeral service or more celebratory memorial event, cremation versus traditional burial in a casket, and other critical preferences. Further, you should choose a location for your service, whether it’s a place of worship, a funeral home, a family home, or outdoors. Detail any cultural or religious customs you want to be included in your service, which could range from specific readings to traditional rituals. If you have a list of individuals you would like to be involved in the services, such as those giving eulogies or performing music, communicate these preferences to your loved ones.
This vital step involves making legal arrangements for the care and responsibility of minors or dependents who rely on you, in the event of your incapacity or death. Who will take care of your dependents, including minor children, elderly parents or pets, in the event of your passing? Have you legally documented your choices for their guardianship? When choosing a guardian for dependents, carefully assess the unique needs of each child or dependent family member. Consider their emotional, educational, and physical requirements. Evaluate whether potential guardians would be able to provide the care necessary to meet those needs. Important factors to weigh are the guardian's proximity, lifestyle, and existing family obligations or other children at home. Moreover, it is highly advised to work with an experienced attorney to prepare documentation that clearly outlines any wishes or instructions you have regarding the upbringing, education, and care of your dependents.
As you approach your final days, consider whether you would like to be an organ and tissue donor and communicate this decision to your family members and healthcare providers. Organ and tissue donation allows something positive to come from the end of life by saving or improving others' lives. Decisions regarding organ and tissue donation are extremely personal, and they may bring up difficult feelings and conversations. Nonetheless, it requires specifying your wishes ahead of time in an advance directive or donor registry. When weighing organ donation, consider your beliefs, culture, and faith. Address common concerns like whether it will interfere with funeral plans or medical care.
End of life planning can be incredibly stressful on yourself and your loved ones. Working alongside a specialized elder law attorney is the right way to ensure a smooth process as you address the important questions that arise during your final days. Connect with a seasoned elder law attorney today with Attorney At Law.
Navigating the housing landscape as a senior citizen can be a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, understanding your rights to fair housing as an older adult is essential to make informed choices. In this informative guide, we will explore the intricacies of fair housing and empower seniors to find their ideal place to call home.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA), also known as Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, is one of the most important pieces of legislation relating to fair housing for senior citizens. It plays a critical role in preventing discrimination and ensuring that all individuals in the United States have equal access to housing opportunities. According to the FHA, discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability is prohibited. This includes refusing to rent or sell, setting different terms or conditions, and harassment. Housing providers must make reasonable accommodations to policies and practices to allow a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy the housing. For example, this may involve allowing service or assistance animals even with a "no pet" policy or allowing a ramp to be built.
The FHA applies to most types of housing, including rental apartments, single-family homes, condominiums, mobile homes, and senior housing communities, among others. However, there are certain exemptions, such as owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units or religious organizations that provide housing to members of their religion.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for enforcing the FHA. If you or a loved one have experienced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the HUD. The HUD will investigate the claim and initiate legal action when necessary.
The Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) is an amendment to the Fair Housing Act that offers various exemptions and guidelines for senior housing. The HOPA was enacted in 1995 and allows certain housing communities to set age restrictions. Specifically, HOPA allows certain housing facilities to exclude families with children under 18 from residing there, creating senior-only housing. In order to qualify for this designation, a community must meet one of the follow criteria:
It is important to note that while HOPA allows communities to restrict occupancy to older residents, these facilities still cannot discriminate against residents based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability.
The main goal of Fair Housing laws is to promote equal access to housing for all U.S. citizens. In some cases, this may require additional accommodations and modifications to help guarantee that housing is equally available to older adults with disabilities. These accommodations and modifications may necessitate changes to rules and policies as well as alterations to the housing unit or common areas.
Common examples of reasonable accommodations and modifications may include:
The examples above show how tweaking rules, routines, and the property can make life easier for older residents with disabilities. Housing providers must work with residents to figure out efficient ways to increase access as required by fair housing laws.
As you grow older, choosing the right type of housing option for your specific needs and wishes can be a difficult choice. It is generally advised to discuss this decision with your loved ones as well as a professional to choose the best option that suits your budget and personal circumstances. Some of the most common living arrangements for senior citizens include:
The best housing situation depends on each senior's preferences, health status, finances, and local options. While senior housing options can be quite costly, keep in mind that there are several affordable housing services available. For instance, the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly provides subsidized rental housing for low-income seniors aged 62 and older. Consult with a professional elder law attorney to find out if you are eligible for this option.
We hope this insightful article helped you better understand the ins and outs of fair housing for senior citizens. As seniors, you deserve housing that respects your individuality and honors your life's experiences. If you have any questions regarding fair housing or need legal assistance in choosing your next housing facility, reach out to one of our professional elder law attorneys today.
As we grow older, it is important to keep in mind that there are certain rights and protections that come with age. Whether it's health insurance and financial security or protection from discrimination and abuse, seniors have access to a wide range of resources and legal safeguards. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through your essential rights as an older adult.
Once you reach the age of 65, you are eligible for Medicare in the United States. Medicare provides older adults with health insurance and generally covers hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription medications and other types of medical care. There are four main types of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. Part A focuses on hospital and inpatient care, Part B covers outpatient and medical services, Part C provides Medicare Advantage plans with additional benefits, and Part D is dedicated to prescription drug coverage. As each type covers different aspects of healthcare, it is crucial to select the option that best suits your needs. Taking stock of your health needs and consulting with medical experts may be necessary. For any other questions regarding Medicare eligibility and coverage, it is typically advised to speak with a specialized attorney.
The social security program offers financial support and security to eligible individuals and their families. Individuals may start claiming social security retirement benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. If you choose to start receiving retirement benefits before your designated retirement age, which is typically 66 or 67 years old, your monthly payments will be reduced. Moreover, social security offers disability benefits to those who are unable to work due to severe medical conditions that are expected to last for at least one year or result in death. Lastly, in the unfortunate event of an individual’s death, social security may grant survivor benefits to eligible family members that can provide stability during a difficult time.
Understanding eligibility requirements, benefit formulas, and payout options for Social Security is key for anyone planning their retirement finances.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals aged 40 and over from being discriminated against in the workplace based on their age. It applies to all aspects of employment including hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation and terms or conditions of employment. According to this law, employers cannot make employment-related decisions based solely on age. Simply put, age must be considered irrelevant to job performance when making decisions.
If you feel you have experienced age discrimination in your workplace, it is critical to remember that you have rights that should be protected. Consider working with an experienced attorney to file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the entity that enforces the ADEA.
According to the Fair Housing Act of 1988, senior citizens have the right to fair housing and protection against housing discrimination. Landlords or real estate agents are prohibited from discriminating against a current or potential tenant by refusing to renew a lease or rent a property on the sole basis of age or any kind of disability. Further, under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations and allow reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities. This allows seniors with impairments to live comfortably and safely in their homes. Common accommodations include assigned parking spaces, ramps, grab bars in bathrooms, and allowing service animals.
Elder abuse can come in many forms, such as physical, emotional, mental or financial. It can have serious consequences on an older adult’s life and cause irreparable damage. Fortunately, there are several protections in place that prevent elder abuse from happening and protect victims. The Older Americans Act includes provisions that prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The law promotes caregiver support and elder abuse prevention while offering legal support for older adults.
All 50 states have Adult Protective Services (APS), which play an integral role in assessing the safety of older adults by investigating reports of elder abuse and intervening when necessary. Moreover, in many states, in many states, healthcare professionals, social workers, and other individuals who work closely with older adults are legally obligated to report suspected elder abuse to APS or law enforcement. This mandatory reporting system helps ensure that cases of abuse are promptly addressed.
Senior citizens are especially vulnerable to fraud and scams, which can lead to severe financial exploitation. Thankfully, the federal government and many states have passed laws to protect older people as consumers. For example, there are laws against financial exploitation, telemarketing scams and misleading ads. With the help of these protections, senior consumers that have fallen victim to a scam may be entitled to reimbursement in addition to the return of property or assets. Seniors who have experienced any type of financial exploitation should contact an elder law attorney as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome.
Your rights and protections as a senior citizen extend far beyond what was listed in this article. In order to achieve a better understanding of your rights, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of Attorney At Law’s top-tier elder law attorneys now. Your lawyer will help you exercise your rights, seek justice in cases of abuse or exploitation, and assist in navigating the legal complexities of aging.
No one wants to think about how their possessions will be distributed after their death. As uncomfortable as this topic is, clearly written wills can ensure that an individual’s property is distributed as they wish.
At their most basic, wills are legal documents that give the writer control over how their own assets and children will be taken care of in the event that they die. If someone dies without a will, the state’s law covering people who died without a will (called intestate) will kick in and the property will be divided according to that state’s law.
This can be troubling if the state law would give property to an individual that the deceased really would have preferred been awarded to someone else or sold. For example, if an individual wanted to sell their possessions and donate them all to a specific charity, then that person will need a will.
Wills can also be used to ensure that a friend, unwed partner, or non-biological relative gets a share of property that they would otherwise be barred from receiving according to the state's common law. Some states will have heirship laws that require a dead individual’s property to be distributed to spouses and children, but with sufficiently advanced foreplanning and an attorney, these laws can be reconciled with the individual’s wishes.
If you want to create an ironclad will, you will need an experienced Trust & Estate attorney. An experienced Trust & Estate attorney can help you craft a will that can preserve your estate and distribute your assets according to your wishes. The best way to find the right trust & estate attorney for you is with Attorney at Law.
At AAL, our nationwide network of attorneys and law firms can match you with a local Trust & Estate attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable of your local laws and regulations. Our partners understand the delicate and important work that goes into preparing a will both physically and emotionally. That’s why our partners are not only experts in their areas, they are also compassionate advocates looking out for your best interests.
Don’t wait. Contact AAL today for a free, no obligation consultation and begin your journey to securing your future.
Elder abuse is a serious crime. Elderly citizens with mental conditions like dementia can be an easy target for unscrupulous actors looking to exploit their victims' life’s savings. One of the ways that these bad actors gain control is through the process of guardianship.
Guardianship of an elderly person, also known as elderly conservatorship, is a legal relationship forged by the court. The relationship begins when the judge appoints an individual to care for an elderly person who is deemed no longer be able to care for themselves. “Unable to care for themselves” can mean many things, but this typically means that the individual is unable to feed themselves, bathe themselves, take their medication regularly or properly, or some other condition that makes living alone impractical.
Once the court decides that the individual is unfit to live alone, they will grant the guardian legal rights over their ward. The ward loses their medical, financial, and legal rights as they are assumed by the guardian. This has been used in the past to bleed some elderly wards dry as the guardian uses their control over them to drain their bank accounts or spend their pension checks on themselves.
It can be very difficult for the ward to escape from under an exploitative guardian since they have legally been declared to be incapable of acting in their own best interest. The best way to avoid guardianship is to have a designated family member or friend legally granted durable, medical power of attorney to handle your affairs on your behalf. Under a durable medical POA, even if a judge finds you unfit to make your own health decisions, there will be someone that you trust who can make those decisions on your behalf as opposed to a potentially predatory guardian or guardianship agency.
If you are planning on creating these vital arrangements for your health and estate, then you will need an experienced trust and estate attorney. An experienced trust and estate attorney can ensure that the power of attorney you designate is airtight and durable, preventing subversion by would-be guardians.
The best way to find your trust and estate attorney is with Attorney at Law. At AAL, our nationwide network of attorneys and law firms can find the best attorneys in your area to fit your needs. Furthermore, not only do our partners have a proven record of success and extensive experience, they also prioritize their client experience.
Don’t wait. Contact AAL today for a free, no obligation consultation and begin your journey to solidify your future.
