How to Keep a Loved One With Cognitive Decline Safe From Scams

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 to remember crucial information or separate a real call from a scammer’s trap. Not least of all, it’s disturbing.

One can have slow cognitive degeneration. At first, you could notice little problems like they forget where they left their keys, misplace a phone number, or struggle to remember names or dates. Eventually, though, these apparently small adjustments could render individuals more susceptible to the kinds of frauds aimed at seniors—especially those with memory loss.

Often preying on cognitive impairment is the “urgent call from a relative” fraud. Imagine this: your loved one receives a call from someone claiming to be their grandchild stating they are in danger and need money right now. They might not remember that they chatted with the grandchild the day before or that she is not in difficulty. And before you know it, funds find their way into the account of a scammer.

These figures will help you to understand the gravity of this: One of the main causes of cognitive loss, Alzheimer’s is estimated to affect almost 5.8 million Americans 65 years of age and above. This rising count raises the likelihood of frauds aimed at elderly people who might not completely understand the implications of their behavior.

Not only are they vulnerable, but the persons behind these frauds are adept in using their fundamental flaws. They take advantage of the possibility that your loved one might not be able to completely understand the circumstances, thereby generating haste and uncertainty.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors with Cognitive Decline

Understanding the link between cognitive decline and vulnerability can help you to identify the particular kinds of frauds that frequently target elderly people. Sadly, con artists are masters in using ambiguity and confusion. Let’s review some of the most often occurring frauds seniors—especially those with cognitive decline—fall victim to.

1. Phishing and phone scams—impersonation schemes

One of the most common scams is when someone calls or emails your loved one posing as someone they know—such as a family or a reputable official. Often claiming they need money or personal information desperately, these fraudsters will

Imagine, for instance, your mother receives a call saying, “Hi, Mom, it’s me. I am in trouble and need bail money. Now, should she be experiencing memory problems, she might not even know she spoke with you just a few hours earlier. Targeting her uncertainty and anxiety, this is a con.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said in 2020 alone that impostor frauds cost seniors $1 billion. Usually, these scams start with a phone or email in which the con artist poses as a reputable person in need of assistance.

2. Prize and Sweepstakes Scams

Another fraud aiming at elderly people with cognitive problems is false sweepstakes or prize draws. Your loved one may get a letter or a call stating they have won a sizable amount of money, but they must pay taxes or fees ahead to get it.

Although they simply cannot recall ever entering a contest, they could assume this to be true based on the convincing tone and urgency of the scammer, which drives immediate action. They have paid money wire-wise to an unidentified account before they know it.

3. False Organizations

As more people donate to charitable causes, seniors with cognitive deterioration are sometimes targeted by con artists posing as representatives of a respectable charity requesting money. Knowing these issues strike at the heartstrings of elders, they will appeal emotionally, like “Help children in need” or “Support veterans.”

Sadly, your loved one might not recall making a donation to the same cause just one week before; this allows the scammers to profit from a memory loss. AARP claims that about 10% of seniors say they lost money falling victim to bogus charitable frauds.

4. Scams involving Tech Support

Under this fraud, a con artist gets in touch with the senior saying they have to address a computer virus or another critical issue on their gadget. They can want payment in exchange for assistance not originally requested, or remote access to the computer.

Imagine an older family member answering a call from someone stating, “Your computer has a virus, and I need to fix it.” You will be charged for the service. Your loved one may easily fall for this fraud if they forget about security policies they have set or fail to recall the last time they used their computer.

Seniors lose more than $36 billion annually to financial abuse including scams and frauds, according to a TrueLink Financial research. And persons experiencing cognitive deterioration are significantly more likely to be targets and to suffer major financial loss. Older adults—especially those coping with memory loss or cognitive impairment—are more inclined to trust and respond to unwanted phone calls or emails, which con artists know.

If you’re looking for more resources to ensure your loved one is protected, don’t miss our Comprehensive Guide to Legal Aid Programs — a helpful resource for seniors to access free legal aid, protect their rights, and avoid common scams.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Loved One from Scams

After we have discussed the typical frauds seniors with cognitive decline run across, it is time to concentrate on doable actions you might use to guard your loved one. Although fraud is not always avoidable, following steps will greatly lower the likelihood that your loved one will become a victim of a deception.

1. Set Up Trusted Contact Lists

Having a reliable contact list helps one avoid frauds really effectively. Should your loved one ever feel uncertain or receive a questionable call, this is a list of individuals—family members, close friends, caregivers—that she can call. Even better, you could keep the list on their devices or put it close to the phone.

For instance, suppose your father answers a call from someone claiming to be a “representative of his bank.” He doubts whether it’s a hoax. Should he have a trusted contact list close by, he can first phone you to confirm whether the call was authentic. One could save their life with this little action.

2. Review accounts and use Bank Alerts.

Creating bank alerts is another basic but effective action. Most bank institutions provide free services wherein you may get a text or email alert for any odd action on the account of your loved one, including a sizable withdrawal or wire transfer.

One real-life instance Susan observed was her mother, with early stages of dementia, routinely removing significant sums of money. Susan stopped the withdrawals before her mother lost a sizable sum to a scammer by configuring alarms on her bank account.

You should also routinely review their bank statements together. This not only protects their funds but also allows you early on opportunity to observe anything odd.

3. Install Call Blocking Technology

Often, con artists call elderly unsolicitedly. Think about putting call-blocking technology or a robocall blocking app on your loved one’s phone. Many cellphones today include built-in mechanisms to filter possible spam or scam calls.

You might also investigate services like Hiya or Nomorobo, which automatically block scam calls and robocalls. These programs can assist stop your loved one from first interacting with con artists.

Assume your uncle, who lives alone, receives calls from people posing as representatives of government agencies requesting funds on regular basis. Call-blocking software let these calls be quickly filtered out without him ever responding.

4. Instruct Them to Identify Red Flags

Talk to your loved one about red flags to be on alert for on calls or messages. For instance:

• Too-good-to-be-true offers (such as lottery wins they did not claim).
• Urgency—that is, “Act now or you’ll miss out!”
• Personal information (bank records, social security number, etc.) requests
• Uninvited contact—that is, if they did not start the call or message

Real-life example: Tom’s mother was better able to identify that it was probably a fraud if someone requested personal information or money desperately. She began hanging on calls she wasn’t expecting, which kept her safe from several scams.

5. Create Financial Protection Systems

Add financial protections to your loved one’s accounts for further security. Some possibilities consist in:

Setting up joint accounts arranging shared accounts or assigning a trustworthy relative power of attorney over financial decisions. This guarantees that someone dependable is looking over your loved one’s money.

Implementing spending limits: Setting daily or weekly withdrawal limitations on their bank cards or accounts will help to stop significant amounts of money being stolen in one transaction.

For example, Carla opened a joint checking account with her mother following a large loss to fraud so she could monitor any questionable behavior. Her peace of mind came from this extra degree of control.

Tools and Resources for Preventing Scams

Technology can be a terrific friend in the modern world helping you to guard your loved one against frauds. Although we cannot be present around-the-clock, there are many tools and services at hand to help elders avoid fraud. Using these choices will help to make it more difficult for con artists to flourish. Let’s review some quite important products and services that could make a difference.

1. Networks of Fraud Watch and Support Services

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is among the finest tools available for shielding elders from frauds. This free network provides tools, alerts, and guidance to enable seniors in spotting fraud before it starts. It also offers a helpline to anyone who become a victim of a fraud.

For instance, Jim worried after learning of several phone scams aimed at elderly people. He registered his mother for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, which updated her on typical fraud techniques. Thanks to the notifications she got, she was ready and knew exactly what to watch out for when a con artist tried to get in touch.

By giving resources to build a fraud protection strategy, AARP’s Fraud Watch also benefits families and helps to guarantee your loved one is never taken off guard.

2. Service and App Call Blocking Tools

Call blocking apps are quite helpful for stopping unwelcome or fraud calls, as we discussed already. Programs like Nomorobo and Hiya can automatically help to screen spam calls. For seniors with varying degrees of tech-savvy, these services can be added to landlines and cell phones, therefore ensuring accessibility.

Real-life example: Carol configured Nomorobo on her father’s phone, which instantly halted most of his spam calls. He was able to hang up without fearing it was a valid call when he answered a call that appeared dubious.

3. Services Protecting Identity Theft

Through credit report, bank account, and personal data monitoring, identity theft prevention products such as LifeLock or IdentityForce are meant to safeguard personal information. These services notify you of any unusual activity, such someone attempting credit line opening using personal information of a loved one.

Mark registered his mother for LifeLock after learning of the experience with identity theft of a senior acquaintance. Within 24 hours of the event, the service notified them of an attempted credit card fraud, therefore averting a significant financial loss.

4. Government Tools for Exchanging Scams Reports

Reporting a scam your loved one fell prey to right away helps to prevent it from spreading to others. Dedicated to identifying and punishing fraudsters, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) boasts a Consumer Protection Division. Reporting fraud not only increases awareness but also enables authorities to stop these illegal operations.

One excellent opportunity to get active and remain current on consumer rights is National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For instance, Linda reported the incident to the FTC’s website right away when her mother fell victim to a bogus “prize” fraud. This prevented like frauds from occurring among other elders in the neighborhood.

5. Training and Educational Websites

Websites such as ScamWatch and The National Council on Aging (NCOA) provide free, current instructional resources to assist you and your loved ones in learning about the newest scams and avoidance strategies. These sites provide fact sheets, web seminars, and scam protection advice.

Jack, for example, routinely consults the Elder Fraud Prevention Guide of the NCOA, which offers useful advice on avoiding fraud. His advice to his elderly aunt helped her to be more careful while handling unwelcome calls and emails.

Seniors are cheated out of around $3 billion annually according to the NCOA’s National Elder Fraud Protection project. Using the skills and resources at hand will help us to lower this count and better safeguard the elderly.

What to Do If Your Loved One Falls Victim to a Scam

Scams can still find their way through all the defenses put in place. Should your loved one fall victim to fraud, it’s imperative to respond fast and effectively to limit the harm. This is a detailed walk-through tutorial on what to do should you believe your loved one has fallen for fraud.

1. Keep cool and compile the specifics.

You first have to remain composed and communicate with your loved one. After recognizing they have been duped, people with cognitive decline could feel ashamed or perplexed; so, your attitude should be kind and understanding.

Start by compiling as many specifics as you can. Get the specifics from your loved one.

• About what was the hoax about?
• It happened when?
• Whose they spoke with and what did they say?

For instance, suppose your father answered a call claiming he had won a big quantity of money but had to pay taxes up front. Calmly asking him to go over the specifics of the conversation will help you to piece together whether it was a fraud and what should be done going forward.

2. Describe the fraud. Right now.

After you have the facts, let the pertinent authorities know about the fraud. Regarding financial frauds, you should give your credit card business or bank top attention. Many banks provide fraud prevention programs, and they can assist with account freezing or charge reversal to stop more losses.

For instance, Mary’s mother was targeted by a fraudster posing as a tech support worker seeking computer access. Mary called her mother’s bank as soon as she discovered it, therefore stopping any more processing of transactions. To cut more illegal transactions, they also froze her credit card.

Regarding different kinds of fraud, you should report it to:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through ReportFraud.ftc.gov

• Specifically geared at assisting elderly, the Elder Fraud Hotline (1-800-677-1116)

By reporting the fraud, one can help to find offenders and possibly stop it from harming other members of the society.

3. Speak with the Legal Help or Authorities.

Involving the authorities is crucial if the fraud included personal information or large sums of money—such as social security numbers. You might wish to look at getting in touch with a local attorney or a legal assistance agency focused in elder law. They can make sure your loved one’s rights are safeguarded and assist you through the next phases.

For instance, Fred assisted his elderly neighbor in reporting a police incidence when she discovered she had fallen victim to an online lottery fraud. The authorities were able to pinpoint the bogus business and alert other local elders about the similar swindle.

4. Consult a financial advisor to get losses recovered.

Sometimes one could be able to at least somewhat offset the financial loss. Working with a financial expert or fraud recovery firm might assist your loved one should they lose money in a scam. They might be able to track the money, call the bank of the scammer, and attempt to retrieve either all or some of the money.

For example, Claire worked with a financial expert to contest the charges and place a hold on her uncle’s account following his fraud by a bogus lottery scam. They stopped more withdrawals and avoided more losses even if they couldn recoup all the money.

5. Act to stop next scams.

Review your loved one’s financial and personal stability once the urgent problems are resolved. As covered in previous sections, this can entail establishing further protections or monitoring mechanisms. Verify that you have set up protections including:

• continuous credit report and bank account monitoring
• A trustworthy contact list your loved one can use when unsure about calls or messages.
• Frequent password and security configuration updates on accounts and devices.

You could also wish to have your loved one participate in conversations on future ways to spot any frauds. By guiding children to be more wary of phone calls, emails, and internet contacts, you can help to avoid more problems down road.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimates that almost one in five elderly persons annually report being targets for frauds. The NCOA also stresses the need of promptly reporting fraud since quick reaction can help to reduce losses and stop more scams.

In addition to reporting scams, it’s important to ensure that your loved one has the necessary legal protections in place. Having a will and power of attorney can make a huge difference when it comes to managing finances or making critical decisions during times of distress. If you’re interested in learning more about how these legal tools can help protect your loved one’s future and prevent legal issues, check out this article on why every senior should have a will and power of attorney.

Empowering Families and Caregivers to Guard Their Dearest Ones

Protecting a loved one with cognitive decline from scams requires a family to create a culture of awareness and proactive care rather than depending solely on tools and services. You will be more suited to help your loved one remain safe the more involved and educated you are. But it’s about enabling your loved one to understand and engage in as much as possible in their own protection, not only about eliminating scammers.

1. Initiate frequent and early conversations.

Starting frequent discussions about frauds early on is among the most crucial things you can do. Although at first it may be awkward, candid discussion of the risks will help to normalize the subject. Whether it’s an unwelcome phone call, an email they received, or a message requesting personal information, your loved one should feel free to ask questions when they’re confused about something.

For instance, Karen shows her mother samples of phishing emails and false lottery offers as she routinely talks about the several kinds of frauds that are out there. Karen has made it simpler for her mother to ask questions if she is unsure by keeping the conversation light and laid back. Her mother thus feels supported rather than ashamed while seeking aid.

2. Involve Them in Safety Protocols

Even if cognitive impairment could make it difficult for your loved one to completely understand all the hazards, including them in safety precautions can still have a major influence. Even if it’s only studying the fundamentals of how to recognize a fraud, you can ask them to participate in the process.

For instance, have your loved one help create the previously mentioned trustworthy contact list. Ask them to identify the names of persons they trust; then, have that list conveniently available. Regarding topics like configuring call-blocking equipment or talking about financial security, let them help shape the decisions. Involvement increases a person’s likelihood of remembering and acting in line.

3. Define Roles and Create Boundaries

Clearly define to your loved one who can call them, who they can forward information to, and when it would be okay to make financial decisions. If your loved one answers phones often, for instance, create a rule stating they never divulge personal information over the phone until they start the call. Should they get an email or text, they should wait until they can share it with a reliable family member before acting.

Here’s an actual case: Lisa helped her father create a rule prohibiting anyone from calling him for money without first verifying via another reliable family member. Her father felt more comfortable declining fraudulent calls a few months later. This little limit helped him to relax and he felt no pressure or uncertainty when frauds got in touch.

4. Promote participation in neighborhood and social groups.

Scammers may go for isolated or lonely elderly people. Encouragement of your loved one to remain engaged in social or community groups will allow them to remain informed and connected. Since isolation sometimes results in vulnerability, their well-being and safety depend much on keeping active in society.

A local senior center might, for instance, arrange a monthly “Fraud Prevention Workshop” or offer a venue where elderly people might relate their scam experiences. Your loved one might feel more confidence in their capacity for decision-making even from something as basic as a weekly phone call from a friend or relative.

5. Continual Education for Families and Caregivers

Staying educated is equally vital for you as a family member or caregiver for your loved one. Changing fraud techniques means that keeping current with the newest developments will assist you to better guard your loved one.

Think about going to seminars or researching fraud prevention from credible groups like the AARP Fraud Watch Network or the National Council on Aging (NCOA). These materials are fantastic for learning about the most recent frauds and practical strategies for avoiding them.

For a real-life example, Mark attended a fraud prevention seminar sponsored by AARP. His mother has modest cognitive deterioration. He immediately communicated with his family the knowledge he acquired from the session, which enabled him to spot fresh warning flags he had not observed previously and so keep everyone alert.

According to the National Institute on Aging, among elderly persons social isolation raises their risk of cognitive decline and other health problems. Maintaining social activity not only improves mental health but also serves as a defense against fraud and frauds.

Don’t forget, empowering your loved one is not only about prevention, but also about ensuring they have the right legal support when needed. If you’re considering seeking professional help, consulting with an elder law attorney could be a crucial step in protecting your loved one’s rights and interests. To learn more about what to expect during such consultations, check out our detailed guide on What to Expect When Consulting an Elder Law Attorney.

Last Thoughts: Equipping Families and Carers to Act

Dealing with scams involving a loved one experiencing cognitive deterioration takes time. Everyone engaged in their care must work together, be vigilant, and educate themselves constantly. But you can greatly help to keep your loved one safe and secure with the correct knowledge, skills, and support.

Prevention is absolutely vital.
Fighting scams best starts with stopping them from ever occurring in the first place. Your loved one will be more suited to spot and resist dishonest efforts the sooner you start teaching them. From creating reliable contact lists to putting call-blocking technologies in place, every action you do adds layer of safety. Prevention is about being proactive and being one step ahead, not only about responding to scams.

Real-life example: Sarah thinks her best approach has been teaching her father early on about red flags and providing him basic, doable advice after she has effectively shielded him from several scams. “We review these things every few weeks; thus, his mind is always fresh,” Sarah says. All the difference comes from that basic constancy.

2. Establish a Safe Haven Together.

This is about setting an environment where your loved one feels supported, listened, and safe, not only about safeguarding their money. This involves encouraging honest communication, establishing reasonable limits, and, where at all feasible, including your loved one in decisions. People will be more confident in spotting such frauds the more engaged they are in their safety precautions.

Creating a safe environment helps you enable your loved one to make wise decisions. This is about developing trust and making sure they won’t feel isolated or powerless in their own decision-making, not only about handling their money.

3. Never Wait; Act Right Away

Don’t delay if you believe a fraud has targeted or victimised your loved one. Stopping additional damage calls for quick response. Whether you report the fraud to the authorities, freeze their accounts, or call a reliable family member for assistance, the faster you act, the more likely you are to retrieve back lost money and stop the fraudster from once more targeting your loved one.

In real life, Linda reacted right away upon learning her elderly mother had fallen victim to an online fraudster. She locked her mother’s bank account right away, reported the matter to the FTC, and got in touch with the fraudster’s bank to get the money back. Although not all the money was turned around, Linda’s fast reaction stopped more losses.

4. It is a team effort.

Remember, too, that safeguarding your loved one is a team effort. Essential is involving in their care other family members, carers, and trustworthy people. Regarding tracking money, looking for red signs, and teaching your loved one safety precautions, everyone should be in agreement. Strong support systems help to make it far more difficult for fraudsters to take advantage of weaknesses.

Not hesitate to get in touch with other relatives and close friends. Openly talking about frauds, distributing tools, and helping one another will help to smooth out the whole process and increase its efficiency.

5. Speak for and represent them.

Being a carer or relative means you are advocating for your loved one in addition to looking out their bodily needs. A major component of the caring job is advocating their rights and safety. Having someone in their corner who recognises the hazards will make all the difference in guaranteeing their safety even if they still have decision-making power.

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