The prospect of an older loved one falling prey to a scammer can send fear through the hearts of any family caregiver. That’s why the nonprofit National Association of Triads and the Home Instead Senior Care® network have developed this Criminal Target Scale, which can help families assess the vulnerability of a senior loved one.
Answer the following questions to help determine your loved one’s scam risk threat.
| Yes | No | ||
| My senior lives alone. | |||
| My older loved one is alone for long periods of time. | |||
| My older loved one has a land line phone. | |||
| My senior has few visitors. | |||
| My older loved one would never be rude to anyone on the phone in an effort to end the call. |
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| My senior has a computer and is on it every day. | |||
| My older adult likes to order online. | |||
| My older loved one sends donations to one or many charities. | |||
| My senior loved one is always looking for a needy cause. | |||
| My senior flies an American flag. | |||
| My senior displays veteran’s stickers in car/home windows. | |||
| My older loved one has an unsecured mailbox near the street. | |||
| My senior takes pain medication and leaves it on the counter. | |||
| My older adult often looks to neighbors and others for help. | |||
| My older adult is generally trusting of people’s motives. | |||
| My senior has a computer, but isn’t very familiar with how to use it. | |||
| My older adult has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. | |||
| My senior spends a lot of time outside during the day and enjoys engaging neighbors and anyone else who comes by in conversation. |
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| My older loved one is worried that he/she might outlive his/her money. | |||
| My older loved one is always looking for ways to make extra money. | |||
| My older adult would do anything to help a grandchild, especially giving money. |
If you answered “yes” to three or more of these statements,
your older adult could be at risk of a scam.
