How can a senior, the most common target of con artists, avoid them? What are the signs the con man (or woman) wants your net worth more than he wants you?
Look deep into his eyes when he smiles. Are they smiling, too? Or does that make him so nervous he turns away?
Does he pressure his target to get married or move in with him?
Did he claim to be extremely well off, but cannot get to his funds?
Does he want a loan from the target?
Does he use the ‘loan’ for country clubs, golf and other non-business items?
What if he has multiple social security numbers?
Does he often require additional funds because he’s a) having tax problems; b) having problems with former partners; c) lawsuits not being settled, etc.?
Does he lie about his personal information? Or do you think he may be lying?
Although there are a few people who have met, become engaged and married within a few weeks, most need time to date, get adjusted to each other and plan the wedding.
Some con artists can look you in the eye and lie with the best, but often, they are uncomfortable doing so and if they smile with their lips, it never reaches their eyes.
Anyone who claims to be extremely well off financially, should be able to get money together from some source other than their fiancée’s pocket book.
When questioned, if he lies about personal information or the target suspects he’s lying, chances are, he is.
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Why do con artists target seniors? Just under 70% of the country’s wealth resides in senior’s pockets, banks, and financial institutions. Seniors think after all their years, they can recognize anyone trying to cheat them. Because, too often, when sinking into dementia, seniors are talked into giving up everything they own. Like most people, seniors dream of hitting it big, whether it’s a raffle or other contest or a once-in-a-lifetime marriage. And, because we become gullible to a fast talker.
One man had his checkbook out to write a ten thousand dollar check to a perfect stranger when his son walked in and stopped him. He had the beginning stages of dementia, and thought the man on the phone was trying to help him.
People do not have to be rich to get the attention of a con artist. Small timers are quite happy to ‘borrow’ a credit card, car, cell phones, and anything else they can get their hands on.
However, the grand gesture, such as the platinum 3-carat fake diamond ring the woman in this article received, is extremely believable. Some con artists find a way to force the ‘fiancee’ to move before the wedding. Love gesture? No. He is pushing to get her under his physical control.
Con artists are liars. They are not just liars; they are the cream of the crop liars. Perhaps they should try being politicians and use their skills to a legal advantage.
So, how does a senior or anyone avoid a con man’s clutches?
• Listen to what and how he says it.
• Watch his eyes when he laughs. Are they laughing, too?
• Can he handle it if looked directly in his eyes?
• Startled at a truly fast proposal? Run. Or at least walk, until you can have him checked out.
• If he stumbles when giving out personal information, see if you can check him on the Internet. If information on several sites don’t match, something is seriously wrong.
• Should you have occasion to see his social security number and he has more than one, leave immediately and report him.
• If you know people who left him under mysterious circumstances, get in touch with them and find out the real reason they left.
• And, just in case any money changes hands, make certain a contract is written and signed by BOTH parties. If you have to take the bum to court, it always helps to Cover Your Assets. By the way, if he is too ‘hurt’ to sign the contract, close your checkbook and leave.