Emergency Preparedness Committee: Fraud Safety

’Till Death do us part . . .
No, I’m not going anywhere. But, at some point in time we all make that trip. When that does happen families often honor us by publishing an obituary in the local newspaper.
Nice gesture, right? Well, yes, maybe.
Not only does this “announcement” often include a photograph but the birth date, city and state of birth, names of surviving spouse, children, grandchildren, name and title of the deceased’s workplace, schools, clubs, church, and the dates/times and location of services to be held.
Wow! Talk about letting the world (including the Bad Guys) know all about us! This might open the door to calls from fake friends and institutions wanting to offer condolences, BUT also asking to verify supplied information on financial accounts, insurance policies, various payout amounts due at time of death, where they can send memorial donations, etc. AND, what usually happens during visitations, services, and burials? NO ONE IS HOME!
The message here is simply to be vigilant in times of emotional vulnerability and stress. Don’t assume everyone is out to offer legitimate condolences.
Here’s an even more disturbing revelation: FRAUD IN THE FAMILY! Certainly this might be viewed as a sensitive issue (remember, I’m just the messenger) but it’s backed up by FACT. Elder abuse is not only physical but more often financial.
Roughly 6 out of 10 cases of elder financial abuse are committed by relatives; and, about 3 out of 10 instances can be traced to friends, neighbors or home care aides and housekeepers. More on this later, but what should you be doing now as preventative measures?
■ Stay in touch with ill or aging family. If you can’t visit regularly, Skype or Facetime and check in often.
■ Beware of the FOG. Signs of mental impairment or dementia would suggest getting help with finances.
■ Be careful of caregivers. Check references and make unannounced visits.
■ Set up automatic banking and credit card alerts, at least for large withdrawals or expenditures.
Note: This is NOT an April Fool’s article.
—Kent Wellbrock