The elderly, those with memory loss or people who are a little naïve, are getting taken by companies everyday.
If you know an elderly person or someone with a memory loss, be watchful of the things that are being told to them by advertisers, scam artists, Internet emails and the like.
I have been recently aware of the ease at which those who are for some reason unaware of how the system of insurance, the law, financial institutions work, are taken by people claiming something from them.
I have been taking care of my mom who has a condition which causes her memory to fail. But, before it got so bad that I had to start living here, I noticed she was sending money to agencies who contacted her through the mail. The wording in the mail she would get indicated she MUST do something OR…
The language of emails, letters and phone calls is design to mislead and causes those without understanding to get taken.
If you notice this, make sure you clarify for them the reasons in simple, easy to understand language. Use helping words and phrases. Talk facts, not accusations.
Example:
My 93 year old mom who has no car and no need for maintenance, Auto club or insurance, received a letter indicating the company was set to auto renew. They thanked her for her years of membership. There were no words about cancelling, or verify that you still need this…
When the phone rings, often the automated caller says we are are calling to inform you a deadline is approaching for …
Companies like AARP which have yearly memberships also have “foundations” which are not part of the membership, but ask for money. Someone with diminished memory cannot discern the difference.
Protect your loved ones. Check in on their mail, email and phone calls. Make sure they are not getting taken.