Many scammers prey on those less likely to defend themselves against their heinous attacks. Unfortunately, the elderly are a popular target for these evil scoundrels for that very reason.
In a particularly cruel attack, a scammer may call an elderly person who lost a spouse to express condolences and to offer a silver lining. That silver lining can come in the form of a long-lost savings or checking account that the spouse set up long ago for the surviving spouse. The scammer fools the elderly person into thinking that a substantial sum has accumulated in the account over the years and that all the person has to do to claim it is to pay the tax on the money.
The surviving spouse thinks his or her loved one was even more thoughtful than expected, but the reality is that the scammer seeks to steal every last dollar he or she can squeeze out of the target.
The victim is convinced to send blank, but signed checks to the scammer in an expedited mailing service to pay for the taxes. The scammer can also require the use of a wire transfer service or other means to collect this money. When the scammer receives the blank checks, the duplicitous crook takes the victim for every dollar he or she can claim, and might even convince the elderly person to sell assets to send even more.
Don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones. If a scammer targets you, show that scoundrel that you can’t be duped and hang up the phone. If your loved one tells you about the “good news” of the long-lost account, do what you must to stop that person from handing over hard earned money to someone looking to rob that person blind. Own your defense, and share that defense with others whenever possible.