Manipulative Telephone Deceptions Preying on Elders with Dementia
In today's digital age, phone scams have evolved to become a significant threat, especially for the older generation. These scams, which can range from impersonating government officials to tech support companies, are designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of their targets.
One of the most common tactics is the Social Security scam, where callers pose as officials, warning of problems with benefits or legal trouble. These scammers create urgency and fear to coerce victims into sharing personal information or sending money[1][5].
Other scams exploit the cognitive vulnerabilities of dementia patients. Scammers may pressure them to disclose sensitive financial details or authorize fraudulent payments, using threats or claiming immediate consequences to reduce the victim’s ability to scrutinize the situation critically[1][5]. In some cases, scammers are known or trusted individuals, including unscrupulous family members or caregivers[2].
To safeguard individuals with dementia from falling victim to these scams, it's essential to establish clear communication protocols with banks and government agencies. This will trigger alerts to trusted caretakers for any unusual activity[1]. Encouraging skepticism of unsolicited contacts is also crucial, emphasizing that legitimate organizations do not demand personal information or payments hastily or under pressure[1][5].
Using call screening or blocking services can prevent unwanted or unknown numbers from reaching the individual, while regularly monitoring financial accounts for irregularities can help reduce errors due to forgetfulness[1].
Education and reassurance are key. It's important to remind the person with dementia that it is safe and important to ask for help before responding to suspicious calls or requests[1]. For highly vulnerable adults, consider legal protections such as establishing a power of attorney to oversee finances and detect fraud early[4].
Maintaining open, supportive communication is also vital. Creating an environment where the person feels safe discussing any suspicious interactions without fear or embarrassment can help prevent scams and ensure the safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones[1][4].
By combining vigilance, education, technological tools, and legal safeguards, caregivers and loved ones can significantly reduce the risk of phone scams targeted at individuals with dementia.
Another form of phone scam that has resurfaced is the classic email scam, now taking place over the phone. Voice phishing, or vishing, involves fraudulent phone calls aimed at tricking individuals into revealing personal information or parting with their money[6].
By staying informed, staying vigilant, and taking proactive steps to protect our loved ones, we can work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our vulnerable loved ones in the face of these evolving threats.
[1] https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0275-phone-scams-against-older-people [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6466164/ [3] https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-scams-targeting-veterans [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6713877/ [5] https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0277-social-security-scams [6] https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0495-voice-phishing-or-vishing
