Boomers: 12 Ways to Protect Yourself from the Biggest Retirement Scams
Retirement is a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But it’s also a time when you’re vulnerable to scams. Scammers know that retirees often have a lot of money saved up, and they’re looking for ways to take it from you. Retirement scams are a growing problem, and they can cost seniors thousands or even millions of dollars. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they are constantly coming up with new ways to target seniors.
Here are 12 ways to protect yourself from the biggest retirement scams:
Be wary of unsolicited investment offers.
If someone calls or emails you out of the blue offering an investment opportunity, it’s probably a scam. Legitimate investment firms will never contact you unsolicited.
Do your research before investing in anything.
Before you invest any money, take the time to research the investment and the company offering it. Ensure the company is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Be wary of high-return promises.
If someone promises you guaranteed high returns on your investment, it’s too good to be true. There’s no such thing as a risk-free investment.
Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision.
Legitimate investment firms will give you plenty of time to make a decision. Don’t let anyone pressure you into investing money that you’re not comfortable investing.
Beware of investment fees.
Some investment firms charge exorbitant fees. Be sure to ask about all fees before you invest any money.
Be wary of financial advisors who charge commissions.
Some financial advisors charge commissions on the investments they sell you. This can create a conflict of interest, as the advisor may be more interested in earning a commission than in finding the best investments for you.
Be wary of free seminars and workshops.
Scammers often offer free seminars and workshops as a way to lure in potential victims. Be wary of any seminar or workshop that promises to teach you how to get rich quickly.
Don’t give out your personal information to strangers.
Never give out your Social Security number, bank account number, or other personal information to someone you don’t know and trust.
Be wary of charities that ask for cash donations.
Scammers often pretend to be from legitimate charities in order to get you to donate money. Be wary of any charity that asks for cash donations.
Be wary of reverse mortgages.
Reverse mortgages can be a complex financial product, and they’re not right for everyone. Be sure to understand all the risks and benefits before you consider getting a reverse mortgage.
Be wary of annuity contracts.
Annuity contracts can also be a complex financial product. Be sure to understand all the risks and benefits before you consider purchasing an annuity contract.
Report any suspected scams to the authorities.
If you suspect that you’re being scammed, report it to the authorities immediately. You can report scams to the SEC, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your state attorney general’s office.
By following these tips, you can protect yourself from the biggest retirement scams. Remember, there’s no such thing as a risk-free investment, so be wary of anyone who promises you guaranteed returns. And always do your research before investing any money.
12 Things That Make Baby Boomers Look Like Complete Jerks
Many baby boomers are kind, compassionate, and understanding. However, some baby boomers can be pretty jerky.
12 Small Things That Get on Your Nerves More as You Get Older
As you get older, you may find that certain small things start to get on your nerves more than they used to. This is perfectly normal, and it’s likely due to a combination of factors, such as increased experience, reduced patience, and a growing appreciation for your time.
Here are 12 small things that many people find increasingly irritating as they age.
Boomers Beware: Protect Yourself from These 12 Common Scams Targeting You
Scammers target Boomers because they are more likely to have money saved up and be trusting and less familiar with the latest scams.
Avoid being scammed by being aware.
12 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat, No Matter How Much You Love Them
Just as we all have things we should and shouldn’t do, cats also have their own set of rules. As cat owners, it’s important to understand these boundaries to keep our feline friends happy and healthy. Here are 12 things you should never do to your cat, from yelling at them to neglecting their veterinary care.
12 Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat
12 Ways You’ve Received a Sign from God
Have you ever felt like God was trying to communicate with you? Perhaps you were going through a tough time and felt a sense of peace wash over you, or maybe you heard a song that spoke to your exact needs. God is always trying to talk to us, but it can be hard to hear His voice sometimes. He may communicate with us through the Bible, prayer, the people and circumstances in our lives, or even signs.
Here Are 12 Ways You May Have Received A Sign From God.
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,