Caring for elderly parents means helping them maintain not only their health and happiness, but also their financial well-being.
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors, taking advantage of their trust and generosity.
Here, we’ll explore what types of scams are out there, practical strategies for protecting elderly parents from them, and what to do if your loved one has already become a victim of one.
Recognizing Common Scams Targeting Seniors
Understanding how common scams work is the first step to safeguarding your parents. Here are red flags to watch for.
Impersonation Scams
Scammers may pose as government officials or even as family members in distress, claiming they urgently need money.
Phishing Scams
Fraudulent emails or texts pretending to be from legitimate companies asking for personal or financial details.
Mail Fraud
Unwanted mail offering fake sweepstakes, lotteries, or investment opportunities can trick seniors into sharing sensitive information.
Tech Support Scams
Fraudsters may claim to fix non-existent computer issues, requesting payment or access to devices.
Romance Scams
Lonely seniors are sometimes preyed upon in online dating scams, where trust is exploited for financial gain.
Ways to Protect Your Parents
Educate Them About Scams
Open communication is crucial. Share examples of scams and explain the importance of not sharing personal information over the phone, email, or text.
Reduce Junk Mail and Telemarketing Calls
- Register on the Do Not Call List: This limits telemarketing calls.
- Opt Out of Junk Mail: Services like DMAchoice.org can reduce unsolicited mail.
Encourage Secure Online Habits
Teach seniors to:
- Avoid clicking on unknown links.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Verify any request for personal information directly with the source.
- Respond with a closing remark and hang up as soon as possible from any suspicious phone call.
Monitor Finances
Help your parents check their bank accounts regularly for suspicious transactions. Setting up email or text alerts for account activity is also useful.
Consider Residential Senior Living
For seniors who may be vulnerable, transitioning to a trusted assisted living community provides an added layer of assurance.
Our own team ensures a supportive environment by managing communications, offering education on potential threats, and closely monitoring residents’ well-being to prevent fraudulent activities.
What to Do If Your Elderly Parent Has Been Scammed
If a scam has occurred, acting quickly can minimize damage.
Contact Financial Institutions
Notify banks or credit card companies immediately to freeze accounts or dispute charges.
Report the Scam
File a report with:
- Stockton law enforcement.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via their online portal.
- Adult Protective Services (APS) if exploitation is suspected.
Place Fraud Alerts
If you haven’t already, add a fraud alert to your parent’s credit report through one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion).
Provide Emotional Support
Discovering that your parent or loved one has been scammed can be as emotionally impactful as it is financially damaging. Scams prey on trust, leaving victims feeling violated, embarrassed, and anxious. Giving emotional support during this time is just as important as taking practical steps to address the situation.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: Reassure your mom or dad that their feelings are valid. They may feel ashamed or reluctant to talk about the incident, but letting them know it’s okay to feel upset can ease their emotional burden. Remind them that scams are designed to deceive even the most cautious individuals, and they’re not to blame.
- Normalize Their Experience: Share stories of others who have been through similar situations. You don’t need to give specific details, but knowing that they’re not alone can reduce feelings of isolation. If appropriate, mention that scams often target seniors because of their generosity and willingness to trust others, underscoring that it’s not a reflection of their intelligence.
- Focus on the Positive Steps Being Taken: Get them to recognize that they are actively working toward a solution. Discuss the actions you’ve taken together; emphasize that these steps are protecting them from further harm.
- Be Patient and Available: Emotional recovery takes time. Your parent may need ongoing reassurance that the scam won’t define them or their future. Be available to listen, answer questions, and comfort them when they need it most.
- Rebuild Confidence Together: Help them regain their sense of control by encouraging small steps, like learning more about scam prevention or joining a support group for scam victims. Knowing that they can take proactive measures moving forward can restore their confidence and reduce feelings of powerlessness.
By providing emotional support, your entire family can move past the experience. Let them know that their worth and value are far greater than any monetary loss, and how their safety and happiness remain your top priorities.
Novellus Stockton: Where Transparency Meets Trust
At Novellus Stockton, we prioritize protection for residents and peace of mind for families. Our attainable pricing eliminates the ‘hidden fee anxiety’ that causes concern at plenty of facilities, ensuring trust and clarity in your decision to join our one-of-a-kind community. Contact us today for a tour!
