Online scams are rampant in the modern day and age, and seniors are unfortunately among the most common victims. These seniors are often struggling with cognitive decline, making them the perfect targets for shameless fraudsters. Tragically, these scams can drain a senior’s bank account, robbing them of their life savings and leaving them with nothing to pass on to their family members after their passing. A recent string of scams in New Jersey has highlighted the severity of this issue.
If you would like to protect your senior loved one from scams and financial abuse, you might want to get in touch with an elder law attorney as soon as possible. With help from one of our legal professionals, you can give your family members the protection they need while also holding any negligent parties accountable for misconduct. Preventative action is the best approach, which is why you also might want to speak with your lawyer about setting up a trust that holds your senior’s wealth in a more secure manner.
Seniors in New Jersey are Falling for These Despicable Scams
New Jersey Woman Swindles Seniors Out of $675,000
On February 17th, it was reported that a New Jersey woman had run a successful lottery scam, stealing over $650,000 from various seniors across the state. One elderly woman lost $500,000. The 28-year-old woman joined a team of criminals based around the world who called victims and told them that they had won large sums of money. There was only one catch, however – the victims would be required to “pre-pay” taxes before collecting their winnings. Tragically, numerous elderly victims ended up sending checks to these criminals without getting anything in return. One 94-year-old woman sent a total of 22 checks after being informed she had won $6 million. This individual was eventually arrested and charged with fraud.
Fake GoFundMe Page Raises Money for Missing Girl
In another despicable example of a heartless scam, a fake GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for Dulce Alavez, who went missing from a park in South Jersey many years prior. The person who set up the account had no connection to the family, and the page was quickly shut down. However, numerous people had already donated funds, including several seniors.
New Jersey Man Poses as Bail Bondsman, Steals $5,000 From Senior
On March 4th, it was reported that a fake bail bondsman had stolen $5,000 from an older woman after visiting her home and telling her that her daughter was in jail. Police have warned that similar scams have become quite common in New Jersey.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the New Jersey area for a qualified, experienced elder law attorney, look no further than Giro & Associates, LLC. We are committed to preventing elder abuse in all its forms, and we can guide your loved one to a greater degree of protection and security with various legal strategies. Book your consultation today, and we can begin to explore your options in greater depth.