Protecting an Aging Parent From Fraud

As a youngster, your parent warned you not to trust strangers. When your parent grows older, it’s time to return the favor. Seniors are frequent targets for financial scams. Many have considerable assets and excellent credit. Growing up, they were taught to be polite and trusting. Loneliness and too much free time can cause them to listen to pitches, read direct mail pieces, and check out unsolicited emails. Due to impaired hearing, they may believe a stranger on the phone posing as a grandchild who needs help with an unexpected expense. They are also less likely to report a crime.

Some of the most common cons involve fake cemetery plots or funeral arrangements, counterfeit medications, worthless anti-aging products, phony charity appeals, home repair fraud, lottery scams, investment schemes, and a thief posing as a Medicare representative to obtain personal information.

Years ago, your parent did their best to keep you safe. Now, there are things you can do to protect them. Visit your parent regularly. Get involved with their finances and review statements. Use a credit monitoring service. Add them to the Do Not Call registry and ask them to be extremely skeptical of telemarketers who still call.

Urge your parent not to give personal information to strangers or to make quick financial decisions, especially when pressured. Ask them to share requests and solicitations, so you can look into them. If they express enthusiasm about a risky investment, ask if they think you should participate; this may cause them to view it more objectively. After your parent receives a questionable call or letter, discuss potential red flags.

Know who they see and talk to. Carefully screen home caregivers. And to be extra safe, lock your parent’s driver’s license, valuables, and credit cards in a safe. This also provides a safeguard from persons hired to make necessary home repairs. Ask questions if they become withdrawn. If they’ve been victimized, encourage them to alert authorities to protect others.

Approaching an aging parent about their ability to keep making wise financial decisions can be difficult. We can help by creating opportunities to educate your parent about potential dangers and encouraging them to take steps to prevent future problems. Call our office to schedule an appointment to discuss multi-generational topics and best practices.