Sadly, this is but just one type of scam on the elderly (or easily deceived) that has been happening forever and will continue to happen for one simple reason - it works. While I just KNOW it couldn't ever happen to me, I've taken precautions anyway. I've chosen to have a third party, non-relative, to help oversee my financial actions (anything over $5K) once I turn 80. There are lots of ways to set up firewalls using actions and/or persons who are not financially invested in my money and I think everyone should look at doing the same. No matter how smart we think we are, or immune to emotional naivete/or loss of cognitive abilities as we age, under the right circumstances - it can happen to any of us.
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