scams on Dad

[yudish]

What is the name of your state? NY

My father fell for a scam AGAIN! The problem we have is he thinks it is legitimate. We have to stop him but don't know how. My Mom doesn't believe the scams but being old fashioned does not know how to stop him. I know both their names are on the account, so can she stop the money somehow? The bank says no, but their has to be a way. He is at the point where he is sneaking out and wiring them through W Union. What can we do? How do we go about getting the money away from him. YOu understand it will be a 'hostile takeover'

 

[BlondiePB]

Unless your father realizes that he fell for a scam or is declared incompetent to handle his affairs and is appointed a conservator/guardian over his estate, there's not too much that can be done about him spending his own money.

 

[Dandy Don]

Get mom to ask the bank if they will close out the joint account and set up an account with just her name on it, or just remove his name from the account, or get him to sign a Power of Attorney to the wife or another family member so that he will have to go to the POA to get money.

Also you or your family attorney should send a certified letter to Western Union (headquarters and local branch) to warn them not to accept any money from this man, and for your own personal records (if needed in the future) get a copy of any documentation that would verify that a scam has taken place (was a complaint filed with the police, with Western Union?).

Does he have a medical condition (Alzheimer's, dementia, under medication) that would impair his judgement--what is his age?

 

[BlondiePB]

Dandy Don,
Correct me if I am mistaken. Does having a POA for a person mean that the person who has given POA cannot run his/her own affairs, including access to his/her bank accounts? That's not how I understand it to be. I was alerted to this is a hostile take over as stated by OP. Surely you know when it comes to money ... need I say more. There's another way that OP can get the money away from his father; however, who really knows what the intentions are of OP without knowing a bit more information.
BlondiePB

 

[yudish]

thank you all. He figured it out and feels terrible. Not before giving them over $4000 though. For your information he is 82, no know 'diseases', drinks alot, and has done this twice. Yes, he contacted all authorities, not that anything would come of that.

 

[Dandy Don]

If enough information is found in the investigation, they can find out exactly which person/company is doing this so that they won't do it to other people. And you should also let the attorney general of your state know about this so he can also investigate.

 

[lljnapa]

Don't Even Get Me Started!!

My father was a highly educated, professional man. Although he was successful in life, he always thought he could win these contests. PCH is the worst offender and it just goes on from there.
When my dad was in his late 80's and early 90's he was on every shark's list out there. He received offers and promises of riches from literally around the world, and he sent them all what they said they needed to bump him up to the next level of eligibility.
When my brother who lives nearby got wind of this he started the letter writing campaign to put a halt to the insanity, but it did no good. The contests just kept coming. My brother had all my parent's mail going to his house to keep my dad from receiving the offers and put signs by every phone in the house to hang up immediately on anyone who was not a close family friend or relative. It did no good.

The only answer to stopping someone from falling for these theives is to take FULL CONTROL of the finances. Do not leave the offender with as much as a check or access to a credit card, because the sharks will take payment by any means possible.

My dad meant no harm. He just was hoping to win big. The only winners in these games are the companies that prey on the elderly. It makes me sick.

 

[yudish]

Exactly what we are worried about. My Dad also was a Project Engineer. Very bright and responsible, which is why we are so confused about this. He traveled the world opening plants. two of us are very worried about the fact that he is on "the list" which is how they got a hold of him this time we figure. He mails in every entry for games to win that million and make my Mom happy(?!). The other 3 siblings think we are overreacting. My Mom doesn't know what to do being a bride of the 50's and letting him control all, she probably doesn't even know where the money is...."it's your Father's job". He is not at a point where he will give up anything, nor will she take it over. Here is the killer....we have been buying them all their new stuff, TV, carpets, desks, airconditioners.....because he is on such a limited income. Wonder how much is left now!!!!??? Any tips on what to do on our own that won't hurt him?

 

[lljnapa]

Some Advice.... Maybe...

Here is the killer....we have been buying them all their new stuff, TV, carpets, desks, airconditioners.....because he is on such a limited income. Wonder how much is left now!!!!??? Any tips on what to do on our own that won't hurt him?

What you need to do is stop wondering how much is left and FIND OUT! Use exactly what you've shared here - the fact that you're already having to buy them necessary items for their physical comfort and the fact that the contest playing is a major concern of yours. If you have other siblings that will back you up, have them go over and talk to your parents with you.

Don't "beat around the bush" about how serious this is. PCH and all the others are theives that prey on the elderly knowing that they're all hoping to hit it big and they won't stop trying until they do. Ask your dad if he knows of ANYone who has won ANYthing from any of these contests. Make it clear that it's just not going to happen in this lifetime, OR the next.

If you have a friend that's an attorney or know of one who will write a couple of letters for you, have them contact each source that has roped in your dad and say in no uncertain terms to cease and desist immediately. Send a copy of each letter to the BBB, as well. Whether it's 10 or 100, get the letters written.

Unfortunately whatever you do in your efforts to put an end to this is going to be taken as interference by your father. He very well may be hurt, but in the long run, So What? Your parents welfare, and yours, is at stake here!

I wish someone would start a class action lawsuit against these companies! It's no less that criminal how they bilk the elderly out of $10 here and $25 there. It adds up to an incredible amout of money and it's not right!

Good luck, Yudish!

 

[BlondiePB]

Yudish,

1) Does your father show signs of dementia?

2) Is your father neglecting to care for his and your mother's basic needs (food, medical care, paying utilities, etc.)?

Check this website too www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html