Criminals like an easy life. Robbing someone in broad daylight is a high risk. Far safer is to do so from the comfort of their home via the internet.
Educate your elderly relatives about fraud
Fraudsters know that older adults are one of the easiest groups to target online. Many do not have the technical knowledge and awareness of the younger generations. If you look through your email junk filter, you will find emails that are scam attempts. They might be obvious to you, but how can you help your elders avoid falling for online scammers? Here are some ways:
● Set up filters on their emails: Your parents may not know how to do so themselves. Filters do an excellent job in eliminating most of the fraudulent schemes. Setting up anti-spyware on their computer can also make a big difference.
● Show some examples of fraudulent messages: You can use examples from the internet to show what to watch out for.
● Tell them what is and is not acceptable to ask for online: Banks will never ask you to send your password in an email.
● Remind them not all emails come from real people: Your grandparent might not understand that emails are not always genuine. They may feel impolite ignoring someone who has written all the way from a distant country to ask for their help in transferring money.
● Tell them to take details and check with you if anyone calls about money: Scammers are good at pressuring people into taking action on the spot.
Targeting older adults is a heartless crime, but many criminals are willing to do it. Consider seeking financial power of attorney if you feel your relative cannot protect themself from fraud. Preventing elder abuse is more straightforward than dealing with it afterward.
