If you have an elderly loved one, it is important to provide care and support in a number of ways. As scams against the elderly continue to grow, it is important to make sure that your elderly loved one is not taken advantage of! Take note of the following scams!
Mail fraud
- A lot of junk mail is aimed at taking advantage of the elderly
- Many mail scams involve convincing the elderly to enter various sweepstakes
Telemarketing
- Many telemarketers speak with vulnerable people such as the elderly because they are more likely to answer the phone and listen to what they have to say
- Telemarketers try to sell useless products and services to the elderly
- Fraudulent websites and emails pretending to be your bank to get your user name and password
Fraudulent legal documents
- Sometimes a friend or family member may convince an elderly person to sign a power of attorney or other legal document
- In many cases, scammers attempt to get access to assets by withholding food or care, or finding other ways to trick the elderly person
Fake repairmen
- Some con artists try to scam the elderly by pretending to be a repairman
- As the fake repairman pretend to do work, valuables go missing
- A repairman may bring multiple people in order to distract the elderly person
Dishonest caregivers
- Sometimes a dishonest caregiver may try to take advantage of an elderly person
- Valuables, cash and personal belonging may go missing
- Caregivers may even con the elderly into paying them twice by saying that they never were paid for their work
What can you do?
Keep an eye on your loved one to make sure they are not being scammed. Take note of serious changes such as large bank withdrawals, missing checks, missing property, newly executed legal documents, and questionable mail.
Communicate with your loved one on a regular basis. If you feel they are being taken advantage of, communicate these fears. Do not be afraid to ask questions!
Timothy P. Murphy is an estate planning and elder law attorney whose practice emphasizes helping people to build, preserve and pass on their wealth. He works with his clients to accomplish their goals while avoiding unnecessary court proceedings and minimizing or eliminating exposure to death taxes.
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