Beware of Common Senior Scams

(SPM Wire) Fraud targeting senior citizens is a growing concern, as millions have fallen victim nationwide. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is encouraging families to recognize and avoid some common cons targeting seniors.

Roughly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 or older already have been taken advantage of financially by inappropriate investment opportunities, unreasonably high fees for financial services or outright fraud, according to a recent survey by Investor Protection Trust.

Some common senior scams include:

• Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams: Victims usually receive letters stating they have won a lottery or sweepstakes; sometimes claiming to be from Publisher's Clearing House or Reader's Digest. The letters tell victims to deposit an enclosed check and wire a portion back to the company to cover taxes or administration fees. The funds initially appear in the bank account, but are removed when the bank determines the check is fake.
• Medicare Scams: Scammers claim to be with Medicare and ask for personal information such as Medicare, Medicaid, social security, credit card or bank account numbers. Seniors should know Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information.
• Bereavement Scams: Scammers call widows or widowers and claim their spouses had outstanding debts that need to be paid immediately. If you are uncertain about owing a debt when collectors call, ask for written confirmation.
• Investment and Work at Home Opportunities: Promises of easy money often target older adults because they may be looking to supplement their incomes. The pitch might come in the form of an investment opportunity that promises big returns, or as a way to make money at home for an upfront cost. The victim is offered what sounds like a great opportunity but the extra income never materializes. Always research any work at home opportunity with the BBB. Beware of investment or money-making offers that seem too good to be true or use high pressure sales tactics to get you to sign up immediately.

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How To Be Successful In Turbulent Times

(StatePoint) Navigating your career in today's crazy business environment is difficult. Some say the economy is up, some say it's down. Regardless, you can learn to be prepared for turbulence and navigate yourself to success.

Whether you're looking for a new career, trying to build your own business or working in a large corporation, it's all about managing the crazy pace of change.

"The key to managing change in these uncertain times is to have a good grasp of your strengths and weaknesses -- whether you're an individual or major corporation," says Terry Doerscher, co-author with Pat Durbin of the new book "Taming Change with Portfolio Management," which shows corporations how to systematically manage change.

For career professionals, being prepared to adjust your course can help you avoid being laid off, say experts. When companies downsize and try to stay afloat during turbulent times, there will naturally be shifts in priorities and responsibilities. The successful employee embraces these adjustments and pitches in. He or she may even consider going back to school for some additional training.

In business, keeping such turbulence under control comes down to setting goals and monitoring them. This can involve your small business marketing plan or your financial statements, but goal-setting is vital to success.

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