BONUS: From Sweetheart Scams to Sweepstakes Shams: Protecting Our Loved Ones

Today, a bonus entry and I’m afraid it’s not a fun or humorous one.

Yesterday, someone tried to scam my mom via the mail. She believed she had won the Publisher’s Clearing House. Her eyes lit up, her heart swelled, and then kablammo – I leveled the mood with bad news! The realization that it was a lie broke her heart. The look on her face broke mine.

The scam was a good one too…even the routing numbers on the fake TD Bank Check were correct…but there were so many red flags to see after a cursory glance. They practically jumped off the page. Criminals count on people being so excited that they don’t pay attention to the inconsistencies. In fact they literally bank on it. Pun intended.

Scamming is not new, and many of us have felt the sting, humiliation and anger – but when it comes to the elderly it gets my giddy-up into a hot rage. It’s not the first time it’s happened to mom. Criminals are relentless. They call, mail, email and they will even sit at your dining room table and lie to your face with out a second thought for the damage they are causing. #truestory. These people need a lot of prayer and ride to the train station. (Sorry, not sorry)!

To the scammers, and grifters out there: You soulless, bottom-feeding, oxygen-thieving, pieces of…..errr pickpockets. I’m quite certain your favorite color is cowardly yellow and that you have bad breath all the time. I can only hope that thousands of fleas love your armpits on hot and sweaty days – and that everyone bites you at least twice. No calamine for you!

Why Do Scammers Target the Elderly?

Because they’re cowards. They exploit the most beautiful part of our loved ones heart:

Trusting Nature: Our elders grew up in a time when a handshake meant something.
Loneliness: A friendly voice on the phone can be a lifeline.
Cognitive Decline: Memory issues can make discerning scams challenging. They are vulnerable and compassionate to others.
Financial Stability: They believe seniors have savings ripe for the picking. And, even if they do – it doesn’t belong to any one but them!

Common Scams to Watch Out For

Sweepstakes Scams: You’ve won! Just pay this fee…
Grandparent Scams: Grandma, I’m in jail. Send money!
Tech Support Scams: Your computer has a virus. Let me fix it remotely. There are documentaries on this one.
Romance Scams: I love you. Now, can you wire me some money? Again, lonely.
Toll Road Scams: Let us not forget this new one.
Bank Scams: This often comes through texts on their phone.
IRS Scams...the list goes on.

Protecting Our Loved Ones:

So how can we help?

Educate: Regularly discuss common scams and red flags. Once is not enough
Screen Calls: Use caller ID and block unknown numbers.
Set Up Safeguards: Implement trusted contacts on financial accounts.
Monitor Finances: Regularly review bank statements for unusual activity. Have open conversations regularly. Make sure your bank knows to call you for any odd charges or large amounts. Put amount limits on withdrawals without approval.
Report Scams: If targeted, report to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11. Yep, I’ll be contacting them with this little bundle of joy mom received.

Do What You Can

We can’t stop everything, 100% of the time, but by being vigilant, we can certainly make it less easy for people to harm our loved ones. Stay vigilant, stay connected, and let’s keep our elders safe from the digital dung of the world.

Caregiver Hack Bonus:

Get Informed Delivery service on their mail and have it sent to yourself so you can monitor what they receive in the mail. It’s free and it is so helpful. I often ask mom if I can open a piece of mail that is for her together. She is grateful for the help. We don’t realize just how vulnerable they truly are.

I’m off my rant, and I’ll see you next week at the next station!