Spring has arrived and is a time of year when scams increase and elderly citizens are a target.

Not only are strangers preying upon elderly victims, but family members and even caregivers have been investigated in crimes exploiting the elderly. The elderly are targeted for reasons that include:

“Social services for the elderly may have been curtailed;

“A family member may believe what they take is an entitlement;

“The elderly may not realize a criminal act has taken place;

“The elderly are more trusting, therefore presumed an “easier target;” and

“The elderly may not pursue legal redress due to poor health or even from shame.”

Various tactics are used to carry out fraudulent acts, including telephone solicitation, letters, emails and phony websites.

Below is a short list of common scams that have occurred in our area. In addition, preventative tips are provided.

Sweepstakes games: You receive a mail or email notice you won a contest but you never participated in the contest. Solicitations to local citizens have been received from within the United States, but also from Spain, Canada and Nigeria. If it sounds too good to be true, it is a fraud, a scam.

Counterfeit check: You are mailed a check or money order and asked to deposit this into a personal account. Then you are asked to wire transfer money to a specific location, often out of the country. The money you wire is often explained as a fee or taxes you need to pay before you receive additional monies. The check or money order is counterfeit. The bank will hold you responsible. Never send money to a stranger!

Foreclosure rescue: These scams target homeowners struggling with their mortgage. A phony company may contact you offering to negotiate with your mortgage lender. You are charged a fee. You later find the company made little or no contact with your lender. Seek reputable, professional assistance including speaking with an attorney-at-law.

Home improvement: These scams are often associated with door-to-door solicitations and are common at spring. Before you do business with any company you can check its reputation with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. Ask family and friends for recommendations.

— Do not do business with a company that cannot provide a phone number, a physical address and references.

— Do not pre-pay a large amount for material. Reputable contractors should have an ability to provide material.

— Have a contract reviewed by a trusted friend, family member or attorney.

— Avoid open-ended contracts by listing start and finish dates and work to be performed.

— Read all terms and conditions of any agreement prior to signing.

Identify theft: A person uses another’s information, i.e. credit card number to purchase goods and/or services. Never give personal information to those you do not know or trust. Last year the Federal Trade Commission received 1.34 million complaints. The number one complaint was that of identify theft.

Monitor your credit: Obtain a free credit report annually by contracting Annual Credit Report Request Service, Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348-5281. Phone 877-322-8228. On the web this service at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Phone solicitations: There are solicitations completed via phone that are legitimate. There are some that sound legitimate but are not. Never hesitate to ask questions. If challenged about your questions, end the call. To register your phone number and limit unwanted phone calls, contact the National Do Not Call Registry at 1-888-382-1222.

Unwanted mail: Limit pre-approved credit card solicitations by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT. Criminals have been known to intercept mailings, open an account in your name and thereafter you find a credit account has been opened. You now must prove the account as fraud.

Tim Sexton is a former Lawrence County Sheriff, an investigator with the Prosecutor’s Office and a member of the Lawrence County Drug Task Force.