The rise of predatory scams—and how to prevent them
BLUF
This article examines some of the scams used against older people by criminals who have gained the trust of their potential victims.Summary
Elder abuse is growing but sometimes remains hidden because of:
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Relationships between perpetrator and victim.
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Instinctive fear of admitting to impairment (executive functioning for complex tasks starts to decline usually over 60)
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Elderly dignity and self-respect.
Elder abuse can come in these forms:
Financial crimes against seniors are commonly perpetrated through:
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Emotional manipulation and con artists.
The following strategies can be used to support people.
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Reach out to family and friends, as they often have some idea of what's going on.
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Install doorbell cameras.
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Help out with the paperwork.
Worth noting the following references:
- Oct 2020 First Alliance Credit Union. What You Need to Do if Your Loved Ones Are Getting Scammed
- Aug 2021 Forbes. Seven Elder Abuse Scams and how to Protect Yourself
- Sep 2021 Senior Living. Common Scams that Target the Elderly