There are various reasons why our elders are such easy prey for these thieves.
People taking advantage of other people is just an ugly reality of the world we live in. Some of the worst offenders are those who dupe the elderly. Seniors can be easily confused and too trustworthy at times, which makes them the perfect target for fraud.
Forbes recently considered this problem in an article titled “Why Do Elderly Parents Fall For Scams That Seem So Obvious To Us?”
The article provides a few precautions every senior, as well as others, should remember when dealing with strangers.
Remember, do not:
- Accept personal care from anyone in exchange for assets or property without a lawyer or trusted person to act as a witness to the agreement.
- Permit anyone to keep details about your finances or property from you.
- Give out any personal information to people you do not know, especially via telephone.
Elder law attorneys are very familiar with these types of abuses (and many others!). They know what individuals can do to guard against them. Contact an elder law attorney to learn more.
Reference: Forbes (February 13, 2014): “Why Do Elderly Parents Fall For Scams That Seem So Obvious To Us?”
For more information on elder law and estate planning, please visit my estate planning website.
