Some deceitful practices target seniors. At one time, the schemes seemed transparent. Now, dishonest individuals are becoming craftier at making these dealings look like the real thing.
What should seniors guard against? Here are two examples.
Internet prescription drugs.
Buying drugs from online sites can seem appealing because costs tend to be lower. Nonetheless, certain Internet companies are not selling the real thing. Some tips for online drug purchases?
- Never buy from a site that does not need a prescription. Reputable vendors confirm prescription authenticity before they send out medication.
- Ensure that a qualified pharmacist is filling your order and will be available to address questions or concerns. Trustworthy retailers have licensed pharmacists ready to handle inquiries.
- Be mindful of packaging and drug appearance. When you receive a prescription drug in the mail, make sure the package is properly sealed. At the same time, be certain the medication is the right size, color, and shape. If anything seems questionable, it is wise to seek the counsel of a local pharmacist.
- Make certain that contact information is listed. If a seller is genuine, contact information, like phone numbers and physical location, should be provided.
- Check the supplier’s credentials. Companies that supply prescription drugs should be licensed. Therefore, be sure the site you do business with has the proper qualifications.
Funeral Scams.
Many funeral homes are reputable and do not charge inflated prices or coerce grieving family members to purchase services they do not need. Nonetheless, some are not. Therefore, here are some tips.
- An expensive casket is not necessary unless you specifically want one. Some unprincipled people emotionally strong-arm families into buying expensive caskets; this can even happen when the deceased will be cremated.
- Defy Rolls Royce of caskets push. Certain funeral homes openly display their costly caskets and fail to mention that more reasonable models exist. Because of this, ask for a price list. If the funeral home does not have a reasonably priced model in their inventory, one can be ordered.
- Resist add-ons unless you really desire them. Some funeral homes encourage expensive products that are designed to preserve for eternity. One such feature involves a rubber gasket included on a casket. However, some experts have found that these gasket models accomplish the opposite objective. In fact, certain mausoleums do not allow them because they may cause the casket to burst.
- Visit at least two funeral homes and compare costs (including mortuary service fees). Some families have a specific place they wish to patronize. Still, it makes sense to compare at least two funeral homes for cost and services. In addition, be mindful to check the prices associated with the mortuary service fees. The hours devoted to these tasks are normally under 5. Consequently, charges for the duties should not be excessive.
- Plan funeral arrangements in advance. Naturally we want the best for our deceased loved one, but overpriced services are not needed to honor someone’s memory. Consequently, resist pressure to get what might not be in your best interest. The best way to do this? Plan before you/a loved one passes. When we plan in advance, choices tend to be based on reason as opposed to emotion. For specific consumer safeguards implemented by the Federal Trade Commission and titled The Funeral Rule, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/rulemaking/funeral/index.shtm.
Sadly, unscrupulous business practices exist. Nevertheless, if you arm yourself with knowledge, you can stay better protected against many deceitful dealings.
