Both my parents are elderly and handicap from rheumatoid arthritis. And with all the pain medication they take and being computer illiterate, it’s becoming a common theme with them getting their money drained from their accounts. I tried until I am blue in the face to convince them to move closer to either myself or my sister in an assisted living community to make life easier for them.
I hired a nursing assistant that come 3 days a week that helps with doctor’s appointments and general errands they need during the week, A physical therapist 3 times a week to keep them moving and a housekeeper to help with daily choirs around the house twice a week and all have helped a great deal and my parents love it.
But just one click and their screwed. And I just can’t figure out a way to resolve it. It started 3 years ago when my mom was having issues with her computer, she called some helpdesk and signed up for a bogus computer monitoring plan for like 600. A year I was not aware of this at the time. Well that same monitoring service stole over 100.000 from two accounts in a 6-month time frame by the time they told me. We were able to get the money back after jumping through hoops with the bank and I went up and helped them set up new accounts at a new back to make sure it didn’t happen again.
Sure, enough round two they assured me they did not sign up for anything except for joining Instacart for weekly groceries. I have their accounts setup for alerts for any transactions and they receive them on all purchases whether it be amazon, food delivery etc. The problem from what I see is transfers they get no alerts nor do I on my accounts but that is how these POS are stealing the money.
I signed them up for LifeLock, but I am not sure that will help somehow these f—kers are able to transfer money. I also asked them to give me all their accounts information so I can check it frequently for odd transfers or purchases, but I see that getting old quick. Other than that, I am clueless on what to do.
Sorry for the long-winded post I’m just frustrated these are the years they shouldn’t have to worry about anything, and it’s been nothing but issues and heart ache.
Any advice or suggestions on how to help me protect them would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I tell my 70 year old mother to change her passwords every 2-3 months. Use punctuation in the password to screw up any password guessing software. Of course, don’t click on anything if on social media as far as links.
I tell my 70 year old mother to change her passwords every 2-3 months. Use punctuation in the password to screw up any password guessing software. Of course, don’t click on anything if on social media as far as links.
Set their security level on maximum.Also for passwords use defunct phone numbers from 50 years ago that is embedded in their memory along maybe with initials
To the OP, that's to say I hear what you're saying, and I emphathize for certain. I'll be checking back to see if anyone has insight on how to work through this kind of situation.
I like the idea of a separate credit card for all purchases had not thought of that.
And the mention of passwords I had them update all of them and provide me with a list so if needed I have them saved with me if needed with banking, pension, SS an etc. But I didn’t even give a thought to Wi-Fi an updating it so I’m kicking myself right now. And will make sure that’s done. They live on Kindles drowsing Facebook, Amazon and playing solitaire.
Virus scan came with LifeLock I believe it was Norton if memory serves correct, so I think they are covered at least I hope so. A good friend who still lives in NJ installed the system for me who works for an IT company assured me they were solid in that regard.
I really appreciate the feedback and just reading some of the post’s it has given me ideas I had not thought of. I just wish they were not necessary.
Thank you!
About the only thing you can do is get access to your parents online bank accounts and credit card accounts if they'll let you. Watch it like a hawk. If you see any suspicious charges you can question and nip it in the bud if necessary.
Scammer Payback - ( New Window )
Smart woman and sound advice for us all. Especially the cell phone part.
I went back to a flip phone about 6 -7 years ago. I pay $30.00 a month and use it for just about emergencies only.
I will check my emails when I get home. Maybe I am old but, I don't get the texting thing either. Send me an email if you can't talk. Or, call me when you can.
When they told me it was $50.00 to upgrade "my software" I hung up on them. How the heck does a SCAM call center # comes up for a tech support search through Google?
BigBlue - there is a special place in hell for predators who prey on the weaker (no offense) among us. But, they are getting VERY creative with their scams.