January Presentation: ‘The Psychology of the Scam’

Teri Sellers

The PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support Group is available to all residents who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We meet twice a month for a breakfast social and a support group meeting. Our goal is to provide support and information to families that are caring for a loved one with dementia.

We are so excited about our presenter for January. Malea Madrid has the heart and love for seniors that most people only talk about, but she lives it every day. Her passion started in 2010 when she moved in to care for her grandparents. Through this first-hand experience, she witnessed the challenges they faced as they aged and the challenges they had handling their day-to-day business. Based on her personal experience and talking with other seniors, she discovered these needs were not unique. Consider It Done Seniors was born, an in-home tax preparation and accounting and administration service tailored to fit the needs of seniors and those who care for them.

Malea will speak to us about ‘The Psychology of the Scam.’ This interactive discussion will focus on the psychological tactics used by scam artists to defraud and exploit their victims and the impact that COVID-19 has had. It is true that those with memory or cognitive impairment are at high risk of being scammed, but it is also true that everyone is a potential victim. Just last year almost $2 billion in losses was reported. That number is most likely only a fraction of the total amount scammed from seniors and others; many are ashamed or frightened to report a scam. Phone calls, mail, and even the internet are contact sources. Scammers don’t have to be smart, just persistent. It is a numbers game to them, the more calls, texts, emails, or mail they send out, the better their chance of taking someone’s money and destroying their life. Elder fraud is a major issue that can financially cripple a senior and their loved ones.

Malea loves to fight for seniors—I hope that you will attend the January Support group meeting and join the fight. This issue is so important to Malea that she has recently started a non-profit business. Malea’s mission is dedicated to cutting through the red tape plaguing seniors that prevents them from getting benefits and additional assistance they need.

If you are not a member of our Alzheimer’s Support Group, it is easy to join. You are not alone. I want to share helpful resources and information with you and add you to our email list. Our support group is an excellent way to learn more about the journey that is dementia and a wonderful way to meet others who are going through the same journey as you. Your information is always safe and confidential. The benefits are priceless. Please contact me, Teri Sellers, at 602-793-0299 or [email protected].