After meeting with a client who had been the victim of credit card fraud, I was reminded again of the vulnerability of many seniors. It isn't news to anyone that our society and world moves faster than before and is more complex. With that being said, consider the confusion that can easily be felt by those who may not hear as well or cannot transfer information as quickly as in the past. Telephone solicitations and infomercials are many times the beginnings of a long financial nightmare for those who live alone.

While some of the elderly have unusual sleeping patterns, it is not uncommon for them to see something on television of interest. They may call, not realizing they may be signing up for something they really don't want or don't remember. The item arrives and in the case of one client, once she accepted that first shipment, she was sent the item again because she accepted the package! By the time we became aware of this scam, her credit card was being charged $3500.00 monthly! It took months to untangle this web of deceit. It all began with her answering questions on a telephone solicitation and her calling a number from a television ad.

Scam it is. There are some organizations whose name implies they are non-profit with intentions of helping others. Nothing could be farther from the truth. They are indeed elaborate scams to exploit not just seniors or the elderly but those who are not as knowledgeable about solicitations. What can you do to ensure your loved one isn't a victim of this type of exploitation? It is difficult to protect anyone 24 hours a day and especially when individuals are left alone.

First and foremost is to explain to the person you are caring for the dangers of giving out information over the phone. If you feel their memory may be impaired, posting a reminder on the telephone is a good tool. It should state "Do not give out your credit card information to anyone on the phone." If a package arrives that has not been ordered, do not accept it. If it comes through the mail, do not open it but instead return it to the sender. If it comes via UPS or FedEx, refuse delivery. On the other hand, if a package has been accepted only to find out it is something ordered by mistake, take measures immediately to return it. It is imperative to act quickly, and be sure to send the package back registered mail which will ensure you're getting a receipt for its delivery. In the case of own Mother who was a night owl, I had to call a magazine to stop the delivery of not one, not two but three subscriptions to the same address. She had dementia and had no recollection of ordering it three times! The magazine was only too happy to send her three copies every month!

This is a serious problem for the seniors and the elderly. The days of trusting the other person on the other end of the phone is long gone. Have a conversation with your parents or grandparents today about these possible scenarios. It may save all of you from headaches later.