Author: Sandra Marie Brooks

The Rise and Fall of a Ponzi Schemer: What Seniors Need to Know Imagine waking up one day to discover that the investment you have been depending on for years—the one you felt would guarantee your future—has vanished out of sight. Only a fraud was the one you trusted—that one who guaranteed you safe, large…

How to Steer Clear of Customer Service Scams: A Guide for Seniors Every day, customer service scams are increasingly prevalent; sadly, elders are sometimes the target. Scammers utilize ingenious techniques to convince you they are someone you should trust—a tech business, a bank agent, even a utility provider. Seeking personal information or money to fix…

The Hidden Consequence of Scams: Taxes on Stolen Money Scams don’t only cost your money; occasionally, especially with regard to taxes, they actually cost even more. This is a reality check: you can be taxed on money you never even kept. Though it sounds ridiculous, the IRS may knock on your door should con artists…

Introduction—What’s Driving Your Concerns? Have you ever been advised you need a “special wallet” to prevent credit card scanning by criminals? Perhaps you came across an advertisement asserting that simply going past in a crowd allows hackers to access your data. Right? That sounds frightening. You’re not alone if you find a bit dubious about…

What to Do After You’ve Experienced a Scam Getting scammed is never simple. Particularly when you learn the scammer stole your hard-earned money, it can undermine your confidence and leave you feeling exposed. Remember most importantly that you are not alone and that action may be taken right now. Every year, scammers prey on millions…

Understanding Cognitive Decline and Its Impact on Vulnerability Not only does someone you love’s memory or cognitive abilities suffer when they start to show symptoms of cognitive decline; their capacity to identify danger and make wise decisions suffers too. Imagine your elderly parent or grandmother, someone who has always been intelligent and independent, suddenly unable…

The Importance of Legal Planning for Seniors When was the last time you considered what would happen to your medical decisions or assets should you suddenly find yourself unable to make them personally? I know that is not a nice idea. The secret, though, is that one of the most crucial actions you can do…

Why Legal Aid is Crucial for Seniors Having worked hard your entire life, you are at a stage when appreciating your time should come first. But occasionally, life presents obstacles—especially in relation to legal issues. Legal assistance becomes crucial whether it’s knowing your rights or dealing with a circumstance whereby you have been wronged. Many…

Why Consulting an Elder Law Attorney is Crucial for Seniors When did you last give your legal rights as you age some thought? As a senior, you have much more to think through than only your finances or health. Today’s choices you make might affect your legacy, peace of mind, and future security. How then…

Why Affordable Legal Assistance is Crucial for Seniors Any age can be daunting when negotiating the legal system, but for seniors it might seem like an uphill fight. Legal obstacles abound in everything from estate planning to resolving healthcare concerns to safeguarding oneself from scammers. The great expense of legal help adds even more difficulty.…