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Karin Malchow
Scam ExaminerGullible suburban mother of four regularly duped in her half-century life. Exploring hoaxes and schemes as the ExSCAMiner, she attempts answering the nagging question: Should I have fallen for that? Got scam tips, email Karin at ScamExaminer@gmail.com.
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Role reversal
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by Karin Malchow, Scam Examiner
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If your father is getting on in years, living alone or in assisted care, do him a favor this Father's Day and throughout the year. Do a Scam Check.
- Ask to look over his finances. Sure, he might say it's none of your bleeping business. You know your dad. Use diplomacy in a way that suits your relationship, whether that means frankly expressing concern about identity theft or fraud, jokingly saying you want to protect your inheritance, or suggesting banks or vendors make mistakes he may have missed. Go over several bank statements, looking for large withdrawals or unusual payments. Check credit card bills for multiple charges. Look at investment records for excessive transactions. He can spend his money how he wants, but someone else shouldn't.
- Be alert to new names being mentioned. Don't discourage Dad from making friends or accepting assistance, but listen carefully for Good Samaritans who "had bad breaks and need a little help" or offer surefire ways to untold riches.
- Set up protection while visiting, especially if you live far away. Get Dad on the National Do Not Call registry. See if his community has a No Soliciting ordinance that requires registration. Get him a shredder or a safe. Set up his social security checks for direct deposit, particularly if he doesn't have a secure mailbox. Check the spam filter on his e-mail.
- Remember when Dad repeated stuff "for your own good" and you said, "Yeah, yeah, I've heard it a million times"? Is it time to switch roles? Mention not giving social security numbers, credit card or bank information to unsolicited requests. Remind about getting several estimates or recommendations for home repair. Keep him posted on the latest scams in the news, especially locally.
Your dad hopefully looked out for you in the past without making you feel foolish or incompetent. Eventually, it's your turn.
For more info on scams directed at seniors: Check the AARP
Topics: fraud , Identity Theft , AARP , Father's Day
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