Old people and scams

Just today, I got a call that popped up as being from my insurance company. The person on the other end identified herself as being from my Medicare Advantage provider. She asked if she was speaking to (my name) and I confirmed she was. She indicated she was calling to let me know about some new features and benefits available in 2025 for my policy. Her first question, "What is you ID number?" I laughed at her and told her that her alleged employer's website, specifically and repeatedly, said to never give that information over the phone if you aren't absolutely sure of the identity of the caller. She said she couldn't tell me about the "new features and benefits for 2025" if I didn't give her my ID number. I laughed again and hung-up.
 
My aunt has been in "relationships" with Elon Musk and more doctors and layers from foreign countries than I can count. The Elon Musk thing went on for almost two months before she came to the conclusion that it wasn't really him, but then Elon's sister contacted her and "straightened everything out." LOL I reckon Elon finally asked her for some money to invest (guess someone has to help the poor guy out) and she ditched him again - And Elon's sis couldn't mend the relationship this time.

As for the doctors and layers, they all would end up needing food cards, a small cash transfer.... She would get rid of one and be talking to a new one the next day. I'm sure it was probably the same person trying over and over to get something out of her. And apparently someone did, because she had to close out a bank account.

The only way anyone even knows about this stuff is because my aunt very recently spent almost a month with my mom while my dad was in the hospital (paid to help my mom out). My mom said she spent the whole day/night on her phone talking to these love interest and scammers telling her she had won something.... and she would tell my mom all the details. My mom finally got fed up with it and sent her packing after about the 100th argument they had over it. Anyway, I'm sure my aunt is still at it.

To answer the OP's question - There's really nothing you can do to get through to people this far gone. They are going to believe what they want, no matter the evidence presented to them.
 
05C40 said:
Just today, I got a call that popped up as being from my insurance company. The person on the other end identified herself as being from my Medicare Advantage provider. She asked if she was speaking to (my name) and I confirmed she was. She indicated she was calling to let me know about some new features and benefits available in 2025 for my policy. Her first question, "What is you ID number?" I laughed at her and told her that her alleged employer's website, specifically and repeatedly, said to never give that information over the phone if you aren't absolutely sure of the identity of the caller. She said she couldn't tell me about the "new features and benefits for 2025" if I didn't give her my ID number. I laughed again and hung-up.
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I’ve gotten that one.
 
milom98 said:
My aunt has been in "relationships" with Elon Musk and more doctors and layers from foreign countries than I can count. The Elon Musk thing went on for almost two months before she came to the conclusion that it wasn't really him, but then Elon's sister contacted her and "straightened everything out." LOL I reckon Elon finally asked her for some money to invest (guess someone has to help the poor guy out) and she ditched him again - And Elon's sis couldn't mend the relationship this time.

As for the doctors and layers, they all would end up needing food cards, a small cash transfer.... She would get rid of one and be talking to a new one the next day. I'm sure it was probably the same person trying over and over to get something out of her. And apparently someone did, because she had to close out a bank account.

The only way anyone even knows about this stuff is because my aunt very recently spent almost a month with my mom while my dad was in the hospital (paid to help my mom out). My mom said she spent the whole day/night on her phone talking to these love interest and scammers telling her she had won something.... and she would tell my mom all the details. My mom finally got fed up with it and sent her packing after about the 100th argument they had over it. Anyway, I'm sure my aunt is still at it.

To answer the OP's question - There's really nothing you can do to get through to people this far gone. They are going to believe what they want, no matter the evidence presented to them.
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Are we cousins?
 
Feel for you, thee. Went through the same with my late mother. Fortunately(?), due to her dementia, she couldn't remember to purchase stamps for the really big checks that she had written out to the scammers. Also, I was on all of her banking accounts, so I was able to get new accounts and not have statements sent to her house. I was lucky.

Also, I've seen where you've said "ask her husband" (or something of the like) several times. I'm assuming her husband isn't your father?? And if that's true, you're over an unfortunate barrel.
 
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05C40 said:
Just today, I got a call that popped up as being from my insurance company. The person on the other end identified herself as being from my Medicare Advantage provider. She asked if she was speaking to (my name) and I confirmed she was. She indicated she was calling to let me know about some new features and benefits available in 2025 for my policy. Her first question, "What is you ID number?" I laughed at her and told her that her alleged employer's website, specifically and repeatedly, said to never give that information over the phone if you aren't absolutely sure of the identity of the caller. She said she couldn't tell me about the "new features and benefits for 2025" if I didn't give her my ID number. I laughed again and hung-up.
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I usually hang on until they hang up just to waste time but politely.
 
I think I commented on this topic the last time it was brought up and tried reaching out but never heard back. I investigate and deal with scammers for my job. I might be able to help.
 
lightbluenc said:
I think I commented on this topic the last time it was brought up and tried reaching out but never heard back. I investigate and deal with scammers for my job. I might be able to help.
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Even if you could get this scammer there would always be another one. These people that are susceptible to these scams will continue to go back to them via social media, phone calls, texts, etc.
 
I'm thinking of starting a scam where the initial hook is that you offer to help people avoid being scammed.
 
mpaer said:
I had the great pleasure to serve on a jury in Orange County for a "roofer Scammer" that targeted old folks . We nailed him (Not his first conviction, but we did not know that)
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I assume that you used roofing nails?
I actually got taken by a smishing text as we had a change of address and it came from the USPS saying that they have a package that needed $0.30 of postage. Yeah I'm part of the demographic they target.
 
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