Tips For Seniors To Protect Themselves From Scam Artists

More and more scam artists are targeting older Americans.  It's estimated the fraudsters take billions of dollars from seniors every year. But there are ways for seniors to protect themselves. 

Consumer Reports wants to shed light on scams targeting older Americans. They profiled eight seniors in a new article on the growing problem of senior fraud.

The scams range from fake sweepstakes, to being duped by shady contractors and financial advisers. Seniors are targets because fraudsters know they have retirement savings under their control.

Here is what they suggest you do to protect yourself:

The most important thing is not to answer a phone call if the caller ID is from a number you don't recognize.

It's also important to check contractors and other workers through the better business bureau to make sure they are legitimate, and seniors should ask trusted family members for help.

A 2011 study conducted in New York found in one year, just one in 44 cases was actually reported. That's because some seniors didn't want to be embarrassed.