Protecting a parent with dementia from lottery and sweepstakes scams requires careful attention and proactive steps. People with dementia can be especially vulnerable to these types of scams because they may have trouble recognizing when something is not legitimate. Scammers often target older adults by promising large sums of money through fake lottery wins or sweepstakes, hoping to trick them into sending money or personal information.
One of the first things to do is to educate your parent about common signs of scams. Explain that legitimate lotteries or sweepstakes never ask winners to pay fees upfront or provide sensitive information like bank account numbers or Social Security numbers. Encourage them to talk to you or another trusted family member before responding to any unexpected prize notifications.
It is also helpful to monitor your parent’s mail, email, and phone calls if they agree to it. Many scams come through letters, emails, or phone calls claiming they have won a prize. By reviewing these communications, you can spot suspicious messages and prevent your parent from responding. Setting up call blocking or spam filters on their phone and email can reduce the number of scam attempts they receive.
Another important step is to manage your parent’s finances carefully. If possible, help them set up automatic bill payments and limit access to large sums of money. Consider becoming a joint account holder or obtaining power of attorney to oversee financial decisions. This way, you can catch unusual transactions or requests for money that might be related to scams.
Encourage your parent to stay connected with trusted friends and family members. Social isolation can increase the risk of falling for scams because there are fewer people around to offer advice or support. Regular visits and phone calls can help your parent feel more secure and less likely to respond to fraudulent offers.
If your parent does receive a suspicious letter or call, report it to the appropriate authorities. This can include the local police, the state attorney general’s office, or the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting scams helps protect others and may lead to investigations that stop scammers.
Finally, keep yourself informed about the latest scams targeting older adults. Many organizations provide updates and tips on how to recognize and avoid scams. Staying aware will help you protect your parent more effectively.
Sources
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-lottery-scams
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/financial-legal-protection
https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-protect-older-adults-from-lottery-scams
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/lottery-scams.html
