Each year some $44 billion - yes, that’s a “b” - is stolen through telemarketing, mail, email and face-to-face fraud scams. Seniors are often targets of these scams.

The first rule to avoiding scams is the old adage, “if it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.” Your own good common sense is your best defense. You can’t reasonably expect a huge return on a tiny investment – those kinds of promises are fraudulent.

Requests for charitable donations may also be scams – there are an amazing number of fake charities out there. Before you donate, check out the BBB Wise Giving Alliance which provides tips and a way to report suspected charity scams.

If someone comes to your door, ask to see their business license. If they don’t have one, tell them ‘no’ and report them to your local police. Even if they have a business permit, be careful – they may be quasi legitimate, but there are often better ways to support the causes they represent.

Seniors seem particularly venerable to all sorts of financial schemes and scams. Be extremely careful about giving anyone access in any way to your money. This includes even family members. If you think someone is trying to separate you from your money, contact your local police. Ask if they have specialists in senior fraud – many communities do.

Your bank may be able to help or at least direct you to agencies that can help.