08-07-14, 08:00 PM | ||
Join Date: Jan 2013
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I recently heard that the elderly are more likely to fall prey to scams like this because the part of the brain that governs credulity (the tendency to believe or disbelieve something) degrades as we age. A 2012 study at the University of Iowa is discussed in this article: http://now.uiowa.edu/2012/08/why-are...rs-explain-why
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08-07-14, 09:53 PM | ||
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Diego, CA
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08-08-14, 12:46 AM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
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There are various lists that you can add yourself or a parent to, which will help ward off some of the calls. This is a good one to start with. Here is some information.
Occasionally, a brazen scammer will ignore the do not call list, but it does significantly cut down on the calls. There are also lists to get on in order to stop junk mail and to stop credit and insurance offers. Since I've gotten on the lists, I no longer get swamped with junk mail. |
08-09-14, 07:50 AM | |
Join Date: Apr 2005
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I'm really sorry to hear of this, too. How exactly was the money transferred? Is there any way all the information he has, however petty it may seem, could be given to the police? It could be a long shot, but it might be worth it. If it would be too traumatic for him to relive all that took place, maybe a family member could take care of it, as much as possible.
A thought occurred to me that could go far in preventing this. A 'family' password could be created among all family members, extended family, friends, etc. to at least prevent family-oriented scams from taking place. If a supposed family member calls asking for money in an immediate or suspicious manner, they'd say "what's the password (or maybe family password)?" If they don't know, the scammer is out of luck. Of course, the key would be to spread the word around to all relevant people but nobody outside. This would be particularly important to anyone who may not have full use of their mental capacity. Someone who does would have an easier time discerning whether the person actually is who they say they are. Ideally, the password would be something easy to remember but obscure enough so someone wouldn't happen to get a lucky guess at it. It's such a shame things like this happen. It's surprising how often people who think it'd never happen to them become victims, too.
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Bob "We all have our own issues" - Lashaun Dale "Hi, I'm Billy Blanks and welcome to Tae Bo" Billy Blanks - Tae Bo ** 50 time marathoner ** 15 time ultramarathoner (the longest was 40 miles) ** All time high scorer at Blast Billiards |
08-09-14, 05:46 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Diego, CA
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Bob -- we talked about a family password, actually. It seems like it might work. Something so that you'd have an idea of who it is you are talking to. That was also behind our idea of asking the person to tell you something that only the two of you would know.
I can assure you, my FIL is the sort who believed such a thing could never happen to him. He's very sharp, always has been, but they preyed on his fears in a way that worked. He got Moneygrams from the grocery store and gave the numbers over the phone to the scammers (unbelievable, but that's what he did). The money is long gone. He did go to the police and they took a report, but no one expects him to get that money back. However, it could be one more charge to heap on if they do happen to catch this group. |
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junk mail, scam alert, scams, spam, telemarketers |
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