Globe Syndicate
For release Friday November 28, 2003
The Sandwich Generation . . . Helping Your Aging Parents
by Carol Abaya, M.A.
MORE SCAMS AT HOLIDAY TIME
Question: My parents (late 70s) wanted to surprise my husband and me with a
holiday cruise. They had received a brochure in the mail and sent a check for
$400 as a deposit. The supposed telephone number is “not in service.” What do we
do?
Answer: It’s too late for my first advice, carved in stone, don’t send money for
anything based on advertising hype from a company you never heard of. Also,
don’t send checks. Use a credit card.
Aside from reporting it to the consumer affairs department both in your state
and the state of the company, there’s nothing you can do.
Unfortunately, more scams rear ugly heads around the holidays when people want
extra money or special gifts.
Use a local credible travel agent to make travel plans.
Question: My parents (late 60s) wanted to get a mortgage so they could do some
home repairs. They answered an ad in the local paper that promised to get loans
for those with less than good credit rating. They paid $1,000, and now the
company has disappeared. What do we do?
Answer: Except for reporting this to your local consumer affairs or better
business bureau, there is nothing you can do.
This scam is becoming more evident now that economic times are troubled.
Up front fees in most states are illegal. Don’t ever pay ahead of time for
promises. Actual performance is probably nil.
Such mortgage scams also leave the “borrower” open to identity theft, as loan
applicants are asked to provide key personal and financial information.
You should only deal with your local bank or mortgage company recommended by a
licensed real estate broker.
Question: My mother, 84, sometimes gets confused. She told me someone called her
saying he could stop all telemarketing calls if she gave him her social security
number. She gave it to him. Now I’m scared she’ll be taken advantage of.
Answer: You are 100% correct to be concerned. Under the new federal law, you can
be put on a no-call list by calling 1-888-382-1222. All you have to give is your
telephone number(s). It’s easy and free.
Unscrupulous telemarketers are trying to get around this new law.
Advice: Never share personal or financial information with anyone who calls you
on the phone or contact you via e-mail.
Scams to avoid:
•• calls supposedly from your local police department seeking holiday
contributions. Police departments do not ask for money by telephone.
•• calls supposed from a travel company saying you have won free trip, if you
pay a $99 processing fee.
•• discount drugs via the internet. There are legitimate discount programs for
those with limited incomes through American drug companies.
Are you juggling doing errands for your aging parents, your children, yourself
and working at the same time? Are you tired, stressed out and upset that your
once vibrant parent is now frail and needy?
Do you feel alone? Rest assured you are not alone! The Sandwich Generation is
dedicated to the 50 million Americans who may have elder/parent care concerns
and/or responsibilities.
* * *
Do you have a question? Send it in. Although letters cannot be answered
individually, appropriate letters will be answered in this column whenever
possible. Letters may be edited. Send letters to Ms. Carol Abaya, mail direct to
her at PO Box 132, Wickatunk, NJ 07765-0132 or contact her through her web site:
thesandwichgeneration.com.
Carol Abaya is an international-award-winning journalist and creator of the
unique magazine The Sandwich Generation: You & Your Aging Parents.
NOTES TO EDITORS: text = 515 words; other material = 160 words
We would appreciate it if you would include the "Globe Syndicate" bug at the end
of the column.
©2003 by Globe Syndicate, all rights reserved.