#122 - My Aging Parent Won't Stop Giving Money to A Scammer. What Can I Do?

03 Jun 2025 • 10 min • EN
10 min
00:00
10:57
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What do you do when your aging parent is being scammed—and keeps sending money even after you’ve begged them to stop? It’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating. And it can leave you feeling powerless. If this is happening in your family, you’re not alone—and there is hope. In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on when an older adult falls victim to financial exploitation, why they often can’t stop—even when they know it’s a scam—and how to intervene without shaming or severing the relationship. You"ll learn:  ✅ Why people get trapped in scams—even when the truth is obvious  ✅ What “dignity of risk” and “duty of care” mean for families  ✅ How to lead with compassion instead of control  ✅ What to do when cognitive decline might be involved  ✅ Concrete steps to prevent revictimization  ✅ Where to turn for professional support Whether you"re a family member or a professional working with older adults, this episode is packed with tools to help you respond with clarity, compassion, and courage. Professionals: Click here to get your free "Support for Older Adults After Financial Scams" Guide Resources Mentioned:Older Adult Nest Egg: Assess financial vulnerability and get expert tools for reducing riskAARP Fraud Watch Network: Up-to-date scam alerts and prevention tipsGive an Hour: Mental health support including for victims of exploitationCenter for Mental Health & Aging: Find a therapist specializing in older adultsAdult Protective Services: State-specific reporting and support Click here to see the show notes  Have a topic idea? Send us a text. PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

From "Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp"

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