Local Financial Planner Helps Seniors Avoid Fraud

Raleigh, NC, October 24, 2009 --(PR.com)-- On Monday, September 21st, Chad Smith, CFP®, a Junior Partner with Financial Symmetry, Inc., spoke to the Cary Senior Center for the second year in a row about the dangers of telemarketing, direct mail and financial scams. He described specific techniques and characteristics of scammers, and gave several examples of actual cases, such as fake checks & “sucker lists” that are used by scammers to lure senior citizens in.

A 2006 report from an assistant North Carolina attorney general estimated that the elderly make up 90% of intended telemarketing fraud victims. Smith gave participants tips on why senior citizens are generally targeted and some strategies to cut down on their communications from fraudsters.

“Seniors should be aware that the issue is not if, but when they will be targeted by sophisticated scam artists. Sharing information about how best to prevent these communications and where to report it when they occur, empowers senior with the tools to fight back.” Chad Smith, CFP®

Please visit www.FinSymNews.com/avoiding-elderly-fraud/ for information about:

New legislation aimed at allotting more funds for fines as well as creating a national grant program for states to protect seniors from misleading sales people.

Contact info from the Attorney General’s office.

Websites that collect data on specific recent scams.

Why the elderly make prime targets.

Tips on avoiding telemarketing criminals.

Contact us if you would like to find out more about his talk, or to request a presentation to your group.

About Financial Symmetry:
Financial Symmetry, Inc provides fee-only financial planning, portfolio management and wealth management services for individuals and their families. “Fee-only” means we neither sell products nor receive commissions, which allows us to offer our clients the impartial advice necessary to make effective financial decisions.

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