There is a sad and baffling piece in Sunday’s DMN about an elderly woman who has been repeatedly victimized by phone scammers. The story provides an interesting look into the factors that make older residents living alone so susceptible to these scum bags.
Senior citizen advocates are trying to help the woman (whose name was withheld) — including Elizabeth Hart from the wonderful East Dallas-based organization Senior Source — but she just doesn’t seem to want any help. She seems to trust the scammer more than she trusts those trying to help her —it’s completely frustrating to read and tough to figure out what to do about it. Also, the article reveals no solution … ugh. It’s like a Coen brothers movie or something —good, but leaves you feeling very unsettled and disturbed.
These scams are ubiquitous — you hear about it all the time. But it seems like you seldom hear about the cons getting caught or punished.
I’ll tell you what, though, it all makes me want to go visit my grandparents and give them a big hug — it seems as if loneliness can make a person more willing to believe lies.
