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CrushedLove18 Asked March 2021

Looking for suggestions when someone with the early/mid stage of dementia believes scammers who call. Advice?

I have started a new caretaking job for a woman who has Alzheimer’s. She is still quite independent except for: talking in circles - weak/ short term memory; forgets to eat; forgets her medication, etc.
So, multiple times a day scammers call and convince her that she has won millions; however.... they tell her that she has to buy gift cards to provide to them over the phone - before, they give her the money!! (I have reported this scam and so far nothing has stopped the calls) So, as her caretaker; where do I draw the line - when it comes to controlling her choices; ie, who she wants to give her money to? I am there to protect her as well as help support her independence, when appropriate.
The scammers are harassing! They know I am there as her caretaker and inquire as to where I am because they know I am
not falling for their sh**. Others tell my client that I should “take you in town to go get the gift cards...” !
A couple times I am able to convince her that she is being scammed and for awhile she will tell them off the next time they call. However, then she starts listening to them and agreeing to go to town and buy the cards.
Sorry if this isn’t an appropriate topic for this group.

NeedHelpWithMom Mar 2021
Scammers are getting very sophisticated.

Really all telemarketing is becoming advanced. There are robots now that conduct the entire conversation.

These bots are amazing in their performance. Most people don’t even know that they are speaking to a robot. They are extremely realistic now.

My husband is an engineer and we often talk about the changes that have come about. This world is constantly evolving in so many areas.

pamzimmrrt Mar 2021
can you answer the phone.. as much as possible? And just say no! Let her family know what is going on. Or better yet, answer the phone and just hang up when you realize its a scammer?
againx100 Mar 2021
Or tell them to put you/her to put her on their do not call list

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Geaton777 Mar 2021
Who is her PoA/guardian? This person can order her a special phone that has a controls for people with dementia, like:
https://www.alzstore.com/RAZ-Memory-Cell-Phone-for-Seniors-p/0039.htm?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=RAZ%20Mobile%20Phones%20-%20PLA&utm_medium=pla

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