More seniors than ever are reporting being tricked and robbed by predators, relatives, and “friends.” As my father became elderly, I was upset to find out how many people close to him had taken advantage of his kindness, prosperity, and trust. He became naive, and trusted people who my mother would have vetted when she was alive. If I pointed out to him that someone was stealing from him, he could become like a little boy and cry, “No!”
Because seniors often have money set aside in a retirement account, certain people may try to gain access to it. When I was a customer at our local credit union, a few people who worked in card services tried to swindle me out of money through a website overcharging for hotel rooms. Fortunately, I provided screenshots of the advertised rate and the hotels one site’s jacked up rate as proof. The credit union had to refund my money.
The woman on the phone tried to intimidate me by yelling and through intimidation. “This is a scam” I replied, hanging up the phone. I reported it to a government agency, and they investigated. My money was returned. After another episode that happened on a cruise, I closed all my accounts. An elderly woman standing in line in front of me was also closing hers. Sometimes the best thing we can do is to walk away from manipulators.
Have you experienced any scams as a senior? How did you handle it?
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