Financial Red Flags and Scams to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, where there is money, there are individuals looking to take advantage of others. Retirees are often targeted because they have accumulated a lifetime of savings. Being vigilant is your best defense against costly mistakes and outright fraud.
1. The “Guaranteed High-Return” Investment Scam
This is one of the oldest scams in the book. A promoter will contact you with an “exclusive” or “secret” investment opportunity that promises incredibly high returns with little to no risk. They might mention cryptocurrency, foreign currencies, or a private real estate deal.
Warning Signs:
- Promises of guaranteed returns. Legitimate investments always have some level of risk. Any guarantee of returns well above what you can get from a CD or Treasury bond is a major red flag.
- High-pressure sales tactics. Scammers will create a sense of urgency, telling you that you have to “act now” before the opportunity is gone. They don’t want you to have time to think or consult with a professional.
- Lack of clear documentation. They will be vague about how the investment works and won’t be able to provide a prospectus or official offering documents.
How to Protect Yourself: Remember the golden rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Never make an investment decision under pressure. Always verify the credentials of the person and the company offering the investment through official channels.
2. Predatory Annuity Sales
While legitimate annuities have their place, some salespeople push complex, high-fee products on seniors who don’t fully understand them. They might highlight a potential “bonus” or an attractive-sounding feature while downplaying the enormous fees, risks, and penalties for early withdrawal.
Warning Signs:
- Long surrender periods. The salesperson might not tell you that your money is locked up for 10, 15, or even 20 years, and trying to access it early will result in massive penalties.
- Confusing fee structures. They will gloss over the mortality and expense fees, administrative fees, and charges for optional riders, which can eat away at your returns.
- A push to put too much of your net worth into one product. An annuity should be one part of a diversified plan, not your entire portfolio.
How to Protect Yourself: Insist on seeing all fees and terms in writing. Take the documents to a trusted, independent financial advisor (one who is not earning a commission on the sale) for a second opinion before you sign anything.
3. The Costly Mistake of “Chasing Yield”
This isn’t a scam, but a common behavioral mistake that can be just as damaging. In a low-interest-rate environment, it can be tempting to seek out investments offering an unusually high dividend or interest rate. This is called “chasing yield.” The problem is that an abnormally high yield is often a sign of very high risk.
Example: A stock with a 12% dividend yield might seem incredible, but that high yield could be a signal that investors are worried the company is in financial trouble and may have to cut its dividend or that the stock price is about to fall. Similarly, a “high-yield” or “junk” bond pays a high interest rate because there is a greater risk that the issuing company will default on its payments.
How to Protect Yourself: Be skeptical of any yield that is dramatically higher than its peers. Stick with quality. A steady 3% dividend from a stable, growing company is far superior to a risky 10% dividend that could be cut at any moment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional financial or tax advice. Consult with a certified financial planner or tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.
For official information on Social Security and Medicare, visit SSA.gov and Medicare.gov. Federal tax information is at the IRS.
To protect yourself from scams and for consumer information, consult the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the FTC.
