Suzanne, this is a frequent problem and subject for discussion here. Others face similar unsettling and annoying situations, and I'm sure you'll get a lot of responses and suggestions.
Does FIL live alone? Are there any family members who do live with him, or close by? Anyone helping him with his finances?
I've found the best way is to call the charities directly and tell them that they're not welcome, and may not call or send snail mail again. Call the headquarters, not any local office. The decent charities will stop calling; that's been my experience. But it doesn' t mean that there aren't others lurking around. That's just as concerning.
I never raised the issue of authority to call on behalf of my father; it's none of the charity's business who is proxy pursuant to a POA or DPOA. I just used my tough voice and attitude and haven't had to call twice.
It wasn't unusual though for someone to advise that it takes 2 - 3 (+/-) months to remove the name and address from their mailing list. That's BS in my opinion. So I'd tell them that every time we get a solicitation despite advising we don't want them, I'd report them, either to the Better Business Bureau, one of the charity ranking agencies, just on social media. (which may be the most effective anyway.) And I'd ask if they'd like to be identified as manipulating older people.
The other aspect is controlling your FIL so he doesn't give to any others who may solicit him. We discussed the situation when it occurred, and I pointed out that the execs of some of these charities and other solicitors made several thousand dollars, while we were scrimping and saving our money. That did it.
From then on when a new solicitation arrived, I was asked to find out how much the execs made, which was always much more than SS either one of us got. The solicitation was discarded or shredded.
The issue could be whether your FIL is able to understand how manipulative these outfits can be. Do you have lists of those to whom he gave? With whom, if anyone, does he share a checking account?
Get his landline phone on a VOIP (voice over IP) system like Ooma. He can keep the same phone number, but there are some good call filtering controls not available on most landlines. He does need wifi internet for VOIP.
If it is a cell/mobile smartphone, there are apps that can block most spammers, too.
Maybe give him a cancelled or fake credit card to use.
It sounds like FIL is not capable of managing any money and should not have access to the CC. Time to chop it up or get him a prepaid one with a limit of $500 or less and let him use it.
Is his number on the Do Not Call registry?
If they are legit charities, call them and let them know he no longer has capacity to enter into a contract and any charges will be disputed.
It is shameful how some charities prey on seniors.
Does FIL live alone? Are there any family members who do live with him, or close by? Anyone helping him with his finances?
I've found the best way is to call the charities directly and tell them that they're not welcome, and may not call or send snail mail again. Call the headquarters, not any local office. The decent charities will stop calling; that's been my experience. But it doesn' t mean that there aren't others lurking around. That's just as concerning.
I never raised the issue of authority to call on behalf of my father; it's none of the charity's business who is proxy pursuant to a POA or DPOA. I just used my tough voice and attitude and haven't had to call twice.
It wasn't unusual though for someone to advise that it takes 2 - 3 (+/-) months to remove the name and address from their mailing list. That's BS in my opinion. So I'd tell them that every time we get a solicitation despite advising we don't want them, I'd report them, either to the Better Business Bureau, one of the charity ranking agencies, just on social media. (which may be the most effective anyway.) And I'd ask if they'd like to be identified as manipulating older people.
The other aspect is controlling your FIL so he doesn't give to any others who may solicit him. We discussed the situation when it occurred, and I pointed out that the execs of some of these charities and other solicitors made several thousand dollars, while we were scrimping and saving our money. That did it.
From then on when a new solicitation arrived, I was asked to find out how much the execs made, which was always much more than SS either one of us got. The solicitation was discarded or shredded.
The issue could be whether your FIL is able to understand how manipulative these outfits can be. Do you have lists of those to whom he gave? With whom, if anyone, does he share a checking account?
If it is a cell/mobile smartphone, there are apps that can block most spammers, too.
Maybe give him a cancelled or fake credit card to use.
It sounds like FIL is not capable of managing any money and should not have access to the CC. Time to chop it up or get him a prepaid one with a limit of $500 or less and let him use it.
Is his number on the Do Not Call registry?
If they are legit charities, call them and let them know he no longer has capacity to enter into a contract and any charges will be disputed.
It is shameful how some charities prey on seniors.