Financial fraud is rapidly increasing worldwide and especially targeting vulnerable groups like people with permanent disabilities and their caregivers.
Disability benefits and health-related accounts are often prime targets for fraudsters, according to the National Disability Institute. Scammers target the vulnerabilities particular to each community member, posing as financial institutions, state or local governments, or even nonprofits that offer services — all in an effort to infiltrate and steal identity.
"Individuals with permanent disabilities can be more reliant in many ways on assistance for financial care, physical care or other basic needs, making them more vulnerable to fraud, scams and exploitation,” said Mandy Kelso, Head of Financial Education, TD Bank U.S. “In many cases, their personal information passes through more hands, which puts them at a greater risk for identity theft, financial abuse, and other schemes."
TD offers resources, including a financial education curriculum, to help everyone to better recognize and protect against fraud. Here are nine practical tips for individuals with permanent disabilities and their caretakers.
Secure personal information
Be vigilant whenever someone asks for personal information and only share details if you know you are dealing with a trusted source. “Fraudsters may pose as health insurance or healthcare providers to obtain passwords, one-time passcodes, birth dates and account numbers,” explained Lindsey Federer, Fraud Management Strategist, TD Bank U.S.
Even information that appears harmless or non-confidential — like details from past transactions — can open the door to fraud.
Pause before clicking
Clicking a link in an email is an easy way for fraudsters to trick victims into giving them vital information. Before you click a link to a website, hover your mouse over it to see the actual URL and make sure it’s legitimate. It is also good practice to look at the sender's full email address and check for typos, extra letters or a different domain name than you'd expect.
Double-check before downloading an app
Medical offices, healthcare companies and government agencies often develop apps so clients can easily view their lab and exam results and stay in touch with key staff. However, it is important to be cautious as fraudsters can copy logos and make an app seem legitimate even when it’s not.
“Make sure the app you're downloading is truly from your medical center,” Lindsey said.
Add medical contacts to your phone
If you often talk with certain medical providers, a case manager or other support services, it is a good idea to save their numbers to your contacts. That way, when they call, you will see their name pop up and know who is reaching out.
If you get a call from a number you don't recognize and the caller asks for your personal information, do not share anything. Simply hang up, then reach out to your provider directly using the phone number listed on their official website or business card. This helps ensure you are speaking with the right person and keeps your information safe.
Wait before reacting
Fraudsters use urgency to prompt a reaction and pressure people to provide confidential information. For example, they may say there is a serious diagnosis with you or your loved one, and you need to provide personal information to receive the results.
It may feel critical to respond immediately, but don’t give the caller any private information before verifying their legitimacy.
Be wary of incentives
Scammers may call offering prizes, coupons, job opportunities or even disability benefits, but they may just be phishing for personal information or trying to sell you fraudulent services. Stay alert to anything that seems suspicious.
Monitor your accounts
Regularly review your financial accounts for inaccuracies or unusual transactions and report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately. Take advantage of two-step verification processes, change passwords every three to six months, and store that information in a secure location to strengthen protection.
Get a background check for anyone you hire to help
It's important to take you time and check out caregivers or support staff before bring them into your home, especially if they will have access to your home and personal information. Ask for references, and don't hesitate to follow up with them. When you are not using private information, keep it safe by storing it in a locked drawer, a secure safe or protect it with a password on your computer or device.
Follow your gut instinct
If you hang up the phone after a call from a government agency or medical provider and get a funny feeling, call the office back using a legitimate phone number.
“If you realize you’re part of a scam, report it to your bank and your local police department,” Lindsey said. “Follow up with your healthcare provider and let them know as well.”
"Technology is continually changing and evolving, making it harder to recognize fraud,” Mandy said. “With proper fraud education and awareness, we can create a supportive environment in which potential victims recognize risks and confidently protect themselves and their loved ones."
We hope you found this helpful. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on information available as of March 2026 and is subject to change. This content is not intended to be used or acted upon with respect to any client's specific circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider talking with your qualified professionals.
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