My 89 year old mother in NYC (Queens) has been getting individuals (scam artist) contacting her. Instead of the usual 'Congratulations you won a million dollars!' she got one that said they were holding a $1000 check that is due her that they will send it if she sends them a finders fee of $23.68. So she thinks that this is from some past incident or something that is legit. She doesn't want to send the money, but is convinced that she is entitled to that $1000 check if she can only figure out what forms to fill out or who to call.
My brother has talked to the local police and even contacted a State Police fraud task force but got nowhere. Any have any ideas on how to make this stop? My poor Mom who has some cognitive issues (early stage) is convinced these letters and phone calls are legal. She is very protective of her mail and prides herself on still being independent and doing her bills. Meanwhile we can't get them to stop.
Someone that might be interested is the local TV stations. I wonder if any of them would follow the scams through. When TV gets on it, police usually care more. It would be wonderful if there was more done on fraud involving the elderly.