Last week I recited some of my bona fides in respect to crime against older adults. The thing that surprises me time after time is the low return on crime.
Criminals that prey on older adults may get a quick claim deed now and then; sometimes they can arrange a loan against the senior’s home for a few hundred thousand. More often the proceeds of crime are just a few hundred or thousand dollars. Sometimes a lady can convince a well-heeled widower to buy her a car. Or a handyman persuades a woman to finance his daughter’s surgery- often back in the old country.
Younger adults become victims of crime because of greed. Older adults are more vulnerable because of sympathy and loneliness. The best protection they can receive is a full and satisfying social life. The best self-defense is to have a well-documented financial plan with a consultant on any large expenses or donations. Most importantly, in my opinion, is the willingness of a person to stand up and say, “I’ve been hoodwinked!” It can be embarrassing and frightening to realize and admit that someone you trust has taken advantage. Those feelings, and a well-meaning act of forgiveness can interfere with stopping the conman and protecting the future victims. And there will be other victims. If someone succeeds at this type of crime, they will try it again (and again). Knowing this may reduce the feeling of being special. Anger may lead to the courage to report. A professional criminal has professional level skills. It takes a professional to respond. The fraud detectives at the police and sheriff’s know how to find and nail these types. If someone is hurting you or someone you know, report the crime! If you don’t know how to ask a senior, try this: “Is someone hurting you?” A direct question is the best way to get a direct answer.