13 March 2008
As a senior I have had my share of experience with scammers. Fortunately some of us are not as gullible as they would hope. Years ago I would feel guilty if I did not send in a small donation when I got doodads from what seemed like legitimate organizations. I very rapidly learned that my name was put on a “sucker” list and stuff came in from everywhere. No more donations from me though. I have enough “Return Address Labels” to last 4 lifetimes. The same goes for phone calls soliciting my help to send “disadvantaged” kids to the circus or some other plea. I just turn a deaf ear and ask to be taken off their calling list even though I am on a national “Do Not Call” list. I also get E-mail, from time to time, supposedly from the UK Lottery Company or other such scams which I delete immediately. These scammers just don’t give up. In my opinion, those caught should really have the book thrown at them.
Scammers are smart and often prey on elders who feel lonely or neglected. Con men or women can get a foot in the door and with a little kindness and lending a sympathetic ear, offer them what sounds like a good deal. I’m fortunate to have children and grandchildren who keep in frequent touch with me, checking on my health and perhaps even my mental acuity. I keep active in the community and learn about the latest scams going around by being well read on my computer. It’s heartbreaking to me to learn how many relatives scam the elderly, many times leaving them without a cent. I sure hope that their karma comes down on them.
The AARP has a good program of volunteers calling seniors to warn them about the many scams that target them. It’s good to remember that seniors aren’t the only ones that get scammed and people need to be reminded that if they are offered a deal that seems to good to be true, it probably isn’t. I’m happy to say that recently my mail and phone solicitations have dropped off so I must have been taken off the “sucker” list when no money was forthcoming.
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