Top Scams Targeting the Elderly (Page Two)

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Checking Out the Caregiver

A primary source of senior fraud comes in the form of caregivers. Often the situation starts out legitimate but soon wobbles out of control: There are changes in real property holdings, life insurance policy beneficiaries, a new power of attorney or milked bank accounts.

Speyer says, "Sometimes it's as simple as a caregiver withholding food or medicine so the (elderly) person can't function well, or threatening harm if the elderly person tells anyone what is going on."

Hiring a caregiver or other employee is an important decision. Like all prospective employers, you should conduct a thorough background check before hiring. Insist on calling former employers and landlords or hire an online company that does background checks for a small fee.

Steer clear of candidates with histories of financial problems. They may be as honest as George Washington, but it could also indicate a gambling, alcohol or drug problem. Someone already on the edge may be more tempted to take advantage.

Be careful even when opting for a relative. Police files are thick with sons and daughters who've let their elderly family members exist in squalor and abuse.

Zoran Basich, a California-based elder law attorney, says one way to protect the elderly is to spell things out in writing while the senior's still in control of his faculties. A letter from the patient's physician testifying to his mental condition and a notarized power of attorney for a trustworthy family member are two good steps in that direction.

Further isolate the caregiver from financial matters by paying the bills yourself. It's harder to steal from someone when you can't get to the money.

The Ship's in Port and Other Fairy Tales

Lansing, Ill., police Chief Dan McDevitt recently worked a case where an elderly woman was swindled out of $295,000 in three separate confidence schemes.

"She lost $287,000 to a Nigerian fraud scheme alone," McDevitt says. "Then she was targeted by the Spanish lottery and the Canadian lottery. It was obvious they (the criminals) all knew one another."

All three scams -- the fake lotteries and the Nigerian scam (also known as the 419 fraud) -- operate on the same principle of something for nothing. These aren't the only con games in town, but they're all essentially the same.

People want to believe their ship's in, no matter how unlikely the source. That's why fake lotteries continue to hook victims.

"They get a call or a letter saying 'before he died, your husband bought a ticket for the Canadian lottery. I'm not supposed to give this to you, but send me $2,500 and I'll send you $150,000,'" McDevitt says.

Many elderly fall for these schemes because they grew up in more trusting times and tend to be less skeptical. "My father was a World War II veteran, and those are the ones who are getting ripped off," McDevitt says.

The same generation also provides a prime target for home-repair scams, where exorbitant prices are charged for repairs and home improvements that aren't needed and are shabbily done.

What You Can Do

If you suspect a scam, notify authorities without delay. Chances are the thieves are long gone, but there's always a possibility they'll one day be caught. Discuss the incident with the victim in a nonjudgmental way. Yes, it's difficult to understand that anyone could fall for such transparent schemes, but many do.

And here's one way to send scammers packing: If an elder you know is offered such a dubious "opportunity" again, McDevitt says that they should, "Tell them you want their name and phone number and that you're a good friend of the police chief. You'll have him call and talk to them. If he says it's OK to do business, then you will."

Another way to prevent elder fraud is through education. Most local law enforcement agencies and senior services organizations, including AARP, have programs and literature on the subject -- all you have to do is ask.

Protect the seniors in your life by checking on them often. If you're on the other side of the country, call frequently. You might also ask a trusted neighbor or friend to look in on them. Remember, it only takes one unscrupulous individual to drain a lifetime of savings. Be the trained dog at the door and chase the scammers away before they take a big bite out of someone else's future.

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