Elderly Scam Prevention: Arm Yourself and Your Aging Parents with Knowledge and Solutions
Hey Friend!
A few weeks ago I checked my private practice phone and had a voicemail from the sheriff’s office!
I immediately felt that OMG feeling, burst of worry, zing of fear because it sounded so official! I’ve coached a lot of people on dealing with elderly scam prevention, so I knew to give myself a minute, take a couple of deep breaths and regulate my nervous system so I didn’t freak out.
Scammers have affected all of us but your aging parents are more susceptible for many reasons! Maybe they are isolated or lonely and when someone calls they are excited and desperate to talk to anyone.
The scammer is usually very friendly and personable. Then they’ll give your parent their reason for calling and proceed to hook them in with whatever tactic they think will entice your parent to cooperate.
You’ve probably shared with your elderly parents about some of the common scams and told them “Don’t fall for it”, ”This is what they’ll say”, “Just hang up” and our parents assure us they will but then they don’t.
When they take the call and get roped in they are embarrassed, we are frustrated and it usually doesn’t end well!
The problem is rarely about missing information but more about missing skills. We think because we have given them information that they will just comply. These scammers are so well versed in their scheme that it is easy to fall for it.
Keep reading to learn more about…
How to talk to your aging parents about scams and how to avoid them
Some of the most common scams targeted toward the elderly
What your aging parents should do if a scammer calls
What to do if your elderly parents fall prey to a scam
If reading a long blog is not your style at the very least try these 3 steps. It will help you make your parents feel empowered to reduce the frequency of being susceptible to these imposters.
Talk about the the feeling response that everyone has to a scammers threat or request. Share that they will have a big feeling…shocked, frightened, worried, excited, thrilled
Brainstorm with your aging parent strategies to make them feel empowered to avoid falling prey to a scam. You may have to give your elderly parents some ideas but be sure to include them in the process.
ROLE PLAY! Have your aging parent call you and pretend to be a scammer and you call them and pretend to be a scammer. This can be playful and serious, rehearsed and unrehearsed.
After role playing, talk with your elderly parents about how it felt, what y’all did well and what you could have done differently. By being a partner with them in this process your aging parent will feel more connected and invested.
Approaching this conversation with patience, empathy, and a collaborative spirit can help your aging parents feel more confident in dealing with potential scammers.
For more communication tips with aging parents download my free
One-Eighty Bookend Technique Workbook
with step by step directions and scripts to guide you.
MORE ON ELDERLY SCAM PREVENTION
Talking to aging parents about scams is an important conversation that can empower them to confidently deal with potential scammers. Here are some tips for discussing this with your parents:
Use Time and Tact
If possible have this conversation in an organic manner. Begin with empathy by expressing your concern for their well-being. Share a story where you or your friend were called by scammer. This will make them feel connected and less defensive.
Share Information
Provide your aging parent with information about common scams. I suggest picking a few and explaining how these scams work and the potential risks involved. Explain how the scammer uses fear, urgency or “great” deals” to hook them. Be sure to tell your aging parents how the scammers are also shockingly convincing and persistent.
Establish a Plan
Work together with your parents to create a plan for handling unexpected calls. Encourage your elderly parents to follow specific steps, such as not answering unfamiliar numbers, letting calls go to voicemail, verifying the identity of the caller independently or telling them you have to consult with your caregiver or family member.
Practice by Role-Playing
THIS IS CRUCIAL and often overlooked!!! THIS IS THE SKILL THAT IS OFTEN MISSING! Think of it like practicing fire drills. Consider planning times to practice scenarios with your parents where you and your elderly parents take turns playing the role of a scammer. Helping them practice what to say and how to respond in different situations will empower your aging parents with skills needed to safeguard themselves. It also establishes a sense of control and autonomy for them.
Reassure Your Aging Parents
Remind your parents that it's okay to be cautious and hang up on suspicious calls. Reassure them that they are not being impolite by protecting themselves from potential scams. Remind them that this happens to everyone and you will not be mad at them if this happens.
Types of Elderly Scams
There are many, many scams and everyday they are getting more creative. You need to be vigilant about staying up with the various schemes. Pick and choose which scams you tell your aging parents about. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm or create anxiety for them. Here are 5 scams that your aging parents will most likely encounter:
Government Impersonation Scam
The scammers will call elderly adults and pretend to be from Medicare, the IRS or Social Security Department. They will sound very official and will indicate that services are in danger of being cut off or they will be arrested if they don’t pay up immediately. When your parent panics and gives them any identifying information it can then be used to commit identity theft.
Grandparent Scam
The scammer poses as a grandchild in trouble and they need money urgently. Often they will say “Don’t tell Mom or Dad they will be furious (disappointed, etc.)” The main scam is to exploit the grandparent's love and concern to get money.
Phishing Emails
Scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks or government agencies, requesting personal or financial information. (If your elderly parents ask what phishing means the simple definition of phishing is the practice of tricking internet users).
Tech Support Scams
Scammers call claiming to be from reputable tech support companies, stating that the senior's computer has a virus. They may request remote access or payment for unnecessary services. A pop-up might appear on your aging parents device (computer, phone, tablet) with a warning sign that a virus has infected the device. The message will urge them to call a toll free number or click a link immediately to get technical help.
Telemarketing/Robocall Scams
Seniors may receive unsolicited calls offering fake products, services, or investment opportunities at GREAT DEALS OR PRICES. The scammers often use high-pressure tactics to convince the victim to provide financial information.
How to Protect Against Potential Scams
If an aging adult receives a call from a potential scammer, it's important for them to take certain steps to protect themselves. Here are some tips on what they should do:
Stay Calm
That is easier said than done because the scammers are so proficient at using fear and urgency tactics. It's normal to feel anxious or upset, but try to stay calm.
Do Not Share Personal Information
Never provide personal or financial information over the phone. Legit organizations will not ask for personal information like Social Security numbers, credit card details, or passwords over the phone.
Hang up
If the caller is making threats, being aggressive, or asking for sensitive information, it's safest to end the call immediately. Don't engage in further conversation, that is one of the strategies they use to confuse you.
NEVER Press Buttons or Follow Instructions
Some scams involve automated messages prompting individuals to press buttons or follow specific instructions. Err on the side of caution and avoid doing this, as it may lead to further issues.
Talk to Family or Friends
Share the details of the call with a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver. They can provide support and advice on how to handle the situation.
How to Minimize Damage from a Scam
If an aging adult realizes that they have fallen victim to a scam, it's essential to take prompt action to minimize the potential damage. Here are steps they should consider:
Seek Support
Encourage your parent to call you immediately about the situation. Be sure to first provide emotional support then assist in taking necessary actions.
Contact Your Financial Institution
If the scam involved financial transactions or the disclosure of banking information, contact your aging parents bank or credit card company immediately. Inform them of the situation, and they can guide you and your parents through the necessary steps, such as freezing accounts or disputing unauthorized charges.
Change Passwords
If your parents provided any passwords or access codes during the scam, change them immediately. This includes passwords for online banking, email accounts, and any other sensitive accounts.
Report the Scam
File a report with the appropriate authorities. In many countries, this can be done through government agencies dedicated to handling fraud and scams. In the United States you can report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Update Security Measures
Review and update your security measures. This includes enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts, using strong and unique passwords, and being cautious about sharing personal information online.
Remember, scammers often prey on individuals' fears and vulnerabilities. Be gentle with your aging parents if this happens to them. Taking these steps can help your parents feel confident in protecting themselves and reducing the risk of falling victim to scams.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions,
Edla
NOTE: It's important to remember that aging is a highly individualized process, and the timing and progression of these stages can vary among individuals. Additionally, lifestyle factors, genetics, and overall health play significant roles in how individuals experience aging.
