AARP recently published an article about scams, including advice that is just as pertinent to expats living in Mexico as their core readership in the United States.
AARP makes the point that “older adults, in particular, are frequent targets of fraudulent and deceptive business practices because of the perception that they’re more likely to trust and act politely toward strangers.”
Such has been the case in many incidents reported by this newspaper over the years. In particular, elderly foreigners have been targeted in the car parks of Mexican supermarkets, and even inside the stores themselves, by con artists with “bird poop” scams and other derivatives aimed at stealing wallets, pocketbooks or possessions.
Many of AARP’s warnings involve potential scams that are more commonplace north of the border, such as living trust kits and seminars, unsolicited reverse mortgage offers and “free” or “low-cost” vacations or prizes.
The magazine also warns against investment opportunities and offers that sound too good to be true. In recent years, some gullible expats in Mexico have lost large sums in investment scams, some of which were openly advertised in some English-language periodicals in the area.
Very pertinent for expats is AARP’s advice on charitable solicitations. “Always ask for information in writing before giving money to a business or charity,” they say. “Beware of any charity or business that refuses to provide written information or references.”
While word of mouth and longevity are important factors in trusting local charities, some area residents feel uneasy about giving money to local charities that do not provide any written breakdown regarding how they distribute their donated funds.
In advice that is endorsed by the United States Consulate in Guadalajara, AARP recommends never giving out one’s Social Security number, credit card number or bank account information until they have independently verified who is asking for the information and why they want it.