Seniors learn how to spot swindlers

POST FALLS - The red words at the top were the red flag.

"Strict deadline; Call immediately," states the letter an attendee of Thursday's Senior Scam Jam brought to the free event at the Post Falls Senior Center.

The letter, obviously a fraud, asked for a personal identification number to claim a pot of money.

"There's a shred truck waiting outside," another attendee said, suggesting what to do with the letter.

About 200 attended the Scam Jam featuring speakers from several local, state and federal agencies on a variety of fraudulent activities.

Post Falls' Marie Gluth said she attended because she, like most people, has received a lot of letters and phone calls requesting money and personal information. She realizes that many of the requests are scams, which makes it hard on legitimate organizations seeking help.

"When they say I won something, I know it's generally a scam," she said. "You don't win things for nothing. It discourages me to give."

Gluth said organizations used to simply asked for a donation, but now scammers entice folks with "winnings" if they provide personal information or send or wire in money first.

She said someone identifying themselves as a Fed Ex driver recently called her, saying they were going to drop off an item.

Gluth smelled trouble and, knowing that such drivers don't call before deliveries, she hung up on the caller.

Cheryl Tussey, a retired AARP volunteer who spoke at the Scam Jam, said citizens shouldn't feel alone in their fight against fraud.

"Don't be afraid to call the police department or other agencies if you believe you've been victimized," she said.

Shelly Enderud, Post Falls finance director, said residents are encouraged to ask questions to the caller and research organizations that contact them.

"It's a very touchy world out there," she said. "You need to verify if people are who they say they are."

She said her mom made a deposit to a man who was going to do work for her, then came back asking for more money because the bank wouldn't accept her check.

"That's because he had issues with his bank," she said. "She did end up getting some work out of him, but the work is going to have to be re-done."

Enderud said it's a good idea to check references, ask for registration information from solicitors or call the city or local government to see if the firm has registered with the municipality. Solicitation firms are required to register with most cities before they can sell their products.

"If workers are not willing to give you references, they're probably not worth going with," Enderud said. "And if people say, 'I have a deal for you,' they probably don't."

Post Falls senior Wayne Moeller said he and his wife have been contacted to be lured into a scam involving Green Dot MoneyPaks, reloadable debit cards available across the country. The scam collects payments for merchandise, advance fee loans and sweepstakes prices.

"It said we won a Mercedes," he said. "Ha-ha. We didn't fall for it. We told them not to call anymore, but they keep trying with their broken speech that you can't understand."