We recently watched the movie “Thelma” on Prime video. Although it was entertaining, it also was very educational about how elderly scams work. If you have not seen it, take the time to watch it when it becomes available. Keep in mind, we all say “It can’t happen to me.”
The movie is about an elderly lady who was scammed out of a large chunk of money. When she figures out who got her money, she decides to go after the “criminals” on her own.
The story begins with her relationship with her grandson, who acts as a caregiver (he is the closest family member to her).
When she gets the phone call that her grandson is in jail and he needs her money to bail him out, she does not believe it, and tries to reach him by phone. (He had turned his phone off). When she is unsuccessful, she begins to believe that maybe something did happen and he really needs the money. She goes to the bank, withdraws the money and sends it to the scammers.
Not long after that she hears from her grandson, only to learn that he was never in trouble, and never needed the money. Feeling foolish because she had been scammed, Thelma decides to find the scammers and go after them herself to get her money back— ALONE.
In the end she gets her money back.
But what would you do? Hopefully call the police, not take it into your own hands!
In our reality here in Ohio, there are several publications available describing warnings about elder scams. One is available through Ohio’s Attorney General Office (800-282-0515), which is promoted by Gov. Mike DeWine.
This booklet begins with a section on what the warning signs of a scam are: You are asked to send money to claim a prize, you are pressured to “act now” to make a purchase which is too good to be true. Another hint that it might be a scam is if your personal information is requested; or a company or individual has no physical address such as a P.O. Box number.
This booklet also describes in full detail various scams that are out there: Advance Fee Loans, Computer Repair Scams, Credit Repair Scams, Fake Check Scams, Foreclosure Rescue Scams, Home Improvement Fraud, Identity Theft, Phony Charities, Reverse Mortgage Abuse and Romance Scams.
In all, 16 different scams are described. Who knew there were that many different ways to get our money!
Another interesting pamphlet is distributed by the U.S. Postal Service: “If you have to send $250 to claim your prize, odds are it’s a scam.
Though the pamphlet is focused on foreign lotteries, it does offer some good information about how to protect yourself. The first suggestion they have is to talk with your family members before sending any money.
Act cautiously when dealing with offers that sound too good to be true. Hang up if you suspect a scam; avoid the pressures to act “right away.” Report the crime. Manage online identities and check your credit reports often.
Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, unfortunately, it probably is.
I hope that your new year finds you in good health and wise enough to have a good new year.
Contact Sally Kelly with your senior news at 330-687-9501 or [email protected].
