Scambusters!: More than 60 Ways Seniors Get Swindled and How They Can Prevent It [Paperback]

Ron Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 7, 2006

Scambusters! is a working manual senior citizens can use to defend themselves against the most common scams aimed at the elderly. It provides readers with a comprehensive approach to identifying scams in the making, and shows them specific prevention tools and how to use them.

Inside, you'll find step-by-step instructions, helpful anecdotes, and references to dozens of consumer organizations and government agencies devoted to thwarting swindlers. Whether buying mutual funds, repairing a car, purchasing drugs from online pharmacies, or taking out loans on your home, "Scambusters!" will protect seniors when they need it most.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From health care shams to identity theft, Smith provides smart, straightforward ways to keep from being swindled, aimed at seniors but applicable to anyone. Smith, a business author in his early 70s, notes that because seniors make up the fastest growing demographic, and are generally perceived to be wealthy, "seniors are a major target for con artists." The scams included run a wide gambit, from overcharging to identity theft to "lonely hearts" con men to work-at-home schemes. One of the biggest areas where seniors are vulnerable is in health care, and he includes a hefty chapter of health-related topics, including health clubs, living wills, medicare fraud, nursing homes, medical breakthroughs and prescription drug plans. Each scam profile includes an explanation of the scam, how to spot it and how to prevent it. He also uses real-life case studies to demonstrate how scams are pulled off, not only by con men but by telephone companies, web sites and investment advisors. "Awareness is the first line of defense against scams," he writes in the preface, and this easy-to-read reference provides some powerful illumination.
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Review

“Smith provides smart, straightforward ways to keep from being swindled...this easy-to-read reference provides some powerful illumination.” (Publishers Weekly )

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (November 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061120235
• ISBN-13: 978-0061120237
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,816,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book is only good for someone that is living in a bubble., June 5, 2008

By 

L Willis (Arlington, TX United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Scambusters!: More than 60 Ways Seniors Get Swindled and How They Can Prevent It (Paperback)

This book is written for people that trust everyone and can't figure out another persons motives.
If you do not fall into that category, don't waste your money.
I am a senior citizen and consider this an insult to my intelligence.