People with disabilities and caregivers can help prevent financial scams by protecting personal information, verifying unexpected calls or messages, avoiding suspicious links or apps, monitoring accounts regularly and reporting suspected fraud quickly.
Learning Center / Security & Fraud / How can people with disabilities protect themselves from financial scams
How Can People with Disabilities and Caregivers Protect Themselves from Financial Scams?
Key takeaways
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Protect personal, medical and financial information, even if a request seems routine.
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Pause before clicking links, downloading apps or responding to urgent messages.
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Verify unexpected callers using official phone numbers from trusted sources.
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Monitor accounts regularly and use added security like two-step verification.
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Report suspected fraud quickly to your bank, local authorities and relevant organizations.
Financial fraud is growing quickly, and scammers often look for people they believe may be easier to pressure, confuse or exploit. That can include people with permanent disabilities and the caregivers who help manage their daily needs.
Disability benefits, medical information and health-related accounts can be attractive targets for fraudsters, according to the National Disability Institute. Scammers may pretend to be a bank, government agency, healthcare provider or nonprofit to try to steal someone’s identity or access their money.
"Individuals with permanent disabilities can be more reliant in many ways on assistance for financial care, physical care or other basic needs, making them more vulnerable to fraud, scams and exploitation,” said Mandy Kelso, Head of Financial Education, TD Bank U.S. “In many cases, their personal information passes through more hands, which puts them at a greater risk for identity theft, financial abuse, and other schemes."
TD offers fraud awareness and financial education resources to help people recognize common scams and protect themselves. Here are practical ways people with permanent disabilities and caregivers can lower their risk.
How can you protect your personal information?
Be careful whenever someone asks for personal information. Share details only when you know you are dealing with a trusted source. “Fraudsters may pose as health insurance or healthcare providers to obtain passwords, one-time passcodes, birth dates and account numbers,” said Lindsey Federer, Fraud Management Strategist, TD Bank U.S.
Even details that may seem harmless, such as past transactions or appointment information, can help a scammer build a more convincing story.
Why should you pause before clicking links or downloading apps?
Before clicking a link in an email or text, pause and check it carefully. Look for misspellings, strange email addresses or web addresses that do not match the organization. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website or app instead.
How can you tell if an app is safe to download?
Many medical offices, healthcare companies and government agencies use apps to help people view test results, messages and other information. But scammers can copy logos and names to make fake apps look real.
“Make sure the app you're downloading is truly from your medical center,” Lindsey said. Use the organization’s official website or trusted app store listing to help confirm before you download.
Should you save medical contacts in your phone?
If you often talk with certain medical providers, a case manager or other support services, it is a good idea to save their numbers to your contacts. That way, when they call, you will see their name pop up and know who is reaching out.
If you get a call from a number you do not recognize and the caller asks for personal information, do not share it. Hang up and call the provider directly using the number on their official website, a bill or a business card.
Why should you pause if a message feels urgent?
Fraudsters often use urgency to make people act before they have time to think. They may claim there is a problem with a medical result, benefit, bill or account and say you must provide information right away.
It may feel important to respond immediately, but take a moment to verify the request before giving anyone private information.
How do scammers use incentives or offers to trick people?
Scammers may offer prizes, coupons, job opportunities, services or disability benefits to get personal information or money. Be cautious with anything that feels too good to be true or requires quick action.
How can you monitor your accounts for fraud?
Review financial accounts often for unfamiliar charges or changes. Report anything suspicious to your financial institution right away. You can also use two-step verification, update passwords regularly and store login information securely.
Should you get a background check for someone you hire to help?
Take time to check out caregivers or support staff before bringing them into your home, especially if they may have access to personal records, devices or financial information. Ask for references and follow up with them. Store private information in a locked drawer, secure safe or password-protected device.
What should you do if something feels like a scam?
If a call, email, text or app does not feel right, trust that instinct. Contact the organization using a phone number or website you know is real before sharing information or taking action.
“If you realize you’re part of a scam, report it to your bank and your local police department,” Lindsey said. “Follow up with your healthcare provider and let them know as well.”
"Technology is continually changing and evolving, making it harder to recognize fraud,” Mandy said. “With proper fraud education and awareness, we can create a supportive environment in which potential victims recognize risks and confidently protect themselves and their loved ones."
FAQs
Scammers may assume they can take advantage of people who rely on benefits, caregivers, medical services or support programs. They may also try to reach caregivers who help manage someone’s personal or financial information.
Be careful with Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords, one-time passcodes, birth dates, medical details and benefit information. Share these details only when you are sure the request is legitimate.
Pause before responding. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. Hang up, close the message or stop the conversation, then contact the company, provider or agency directly through an official phone number or website.
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