07/09/08 Elder Scams

In risk of sounding like my Grandfather, I seem to find myself more and more often asking the question, "What is the world coming to?" The most recent instance was after my elderly mother-in-law was a victim of scam artists claiming by phone to be her grandson in trouble in Canada and in need of $3000 immediately. Thank goodness she had the where withal to hang up and call my husband to check on the validity of the call. My son also happened to be sitting in our living room when his grandmother called and was able to reassure her that he was fine. This is one of several new scams that target the elderly, with reports of victims around the globe. Most of the scams involve multiple perpetrators who play different roles, one making the call, another withdrawing the cash from a bank account and another keeping watch while the withdrawal is made. Although con or scam artists have been around for years, new technology makes catching them more difficult. Seniors and their families need to be more aware and identify scams before they become victims. Remember, no personal information should ever be given over the phone at anytime, period.