Resources
Equipping you to steward your family’s resources… Below are some additional resources for your reference (click on links to view details).
Senior Fraud Prevention, Reporting, and Remediation
Videos
Debt Settlement Scams
How to recognize and prevent some debt settlement scams.
Medicare Scams
Don’t get caught in a Medicare scam!
Tech Support Scams
One example of a tech support scam.
Work at Home Scams
How to recognize a work at home scam.
Helpful Links / Phone Numbers
Preventing Scams
Family Stewardship Services (Check First! Fraud Prevention)
Evil offshore criminals love to prey on trusting, unsuspecting older people. Senior victims of fraud lost an average of $34,000 per person in 2023. Check First! Fraud Prevention subscription service gives you advice on possible fraud attempts when you need it.
Consumer Guides
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) publishes helpful consumer guides to help buyers make more informed choices on their purchases.
Contractor Scams
Protect yourself against contractor fraud. Read the How to Avoid a Home Improvement Scam guide by the Federal Trade Commission.
Debt Collection Scams
If you receive a call from someone who claims to be a debt collector, and you don’t recognize the debt, request that they provide an explanation of the debt in writing. Sample letters can be found at the Debt Collection page of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website.
Online Privacy and Security
Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice page on Online Privacy and Security for advice on how to protect your personal and your financial information online.
Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts
The IRS posts helpful information about scams that target taxpayers. Learn more by going to Consumer Alerts section of the IRS Newsroom.
Reporting Fraud Incidents
Family Stewardship Services
Whether it was an attempted fraud or an actual fraud, we can help you report the fraud incident to the appropriate governmental agencies. See Senior Fraud Prevention & Remediation Services for more information.
Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho
Report elder abuse to the Adult Protection Services of the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho.
Credit Card Scams
Notify your financial institution (using the phone number on the back of your credit card or on your bank statement) if you have been scammed.
Federal Trade Commission
Report all scams to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
Internet Crime
If you believe that you are the victim of Internet crime, or if you are aware of an Internet crime, you can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Local Police
Call 911 if someone is in danger or a crime has been committed.
Medicare Fraud
If you suspect that you have been a victim of Medicare fraud, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol.
Social Security Fraud
If SSA notifies you about opening a “my social Security” account and you didn’t open the account, contact the Social Security Customer Service at 1-800-772-1213.
Tax Scams
Report incidents to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or call 1-800-366-4488.
Fraud Remediation
Family Stewardship Services (Fraud Remediation)
Financial fraud and identity theft is scary, confusing, and overwhelming. “What do I do now?” “How do I get this fixed?”
Senior Fraud Remediation service, helps to quickly resolve your fraud issues. We’ll guide you through the steps to get you back on your feet again..
Identity Theft
– Visit IdentityTheft.gov for some helpful steps to remedy identity theft.
– Also, for sample letters to help you dispute unauthorized charges see Sample Letters resources from The Federal Trade Commission.
Guides for Managing Someone Else’s Money
The following links provide high-level guidance for those who are considering filling important roles for their family. These documents are published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (cfpb.gov).
Considering a financial caregiver? Know your options.
Is a loved one having trouble managing their money because of health problems or memory issues? Or are you planning ahead in case you need help managing your money in the future? Knowing your options will help you choose what works best for your situation.
Power of Attorney
Guide for those who have been named in a power of attorney to make decisions about money and property for someone else.
Trustees
Guide for those who have been named as trustees under revocable living trusts.
Court-Appointed Guardians
Guide for those who have been appointed by a court to be guardians of property or conservators, giving them the duty and the power to make financial decisions on someone’s behalf.
Government Fiduciaries
Guide for those who have been appointed by a government agency to manage another person’s income benefits, such as Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefit checks.
Let’s get started
Contact us for a free initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.