Doctor says it’s common for scammers to target dementia patients

Posted By: Bayley Bischof 

bbischof@klkntv.com

Alzheimer’s disease can rob a person of their memories, their independence and even their life.

There are people out there who try and take even more away from those with dementia.

"Every few months I interview someone who is very concerned about financial management and there is frequently a scam involved.” Dr. Travis Groft, head of neurotherapy at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals said. “It’s not uncommon that individuals have lost much of their live savings, tens of thousands of dollars."

Internet scams are growing more common, Groft said.

“The individual may be told their computer needs urgent attention or they’ll lose all of their information and they’re manipulated into sending a great deal of money,” Groft said.

The Lincoln Police Department got a report Tuesday that a 76-year-old Lincoln man suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease was targeted by a scam like this. The scammer stole more than $2,000.

This isn’t the only scam Dr. Groft’s patients have experienced.

"There’s lonely hearts scams,” Groft said. “An individual will impersonate a windowed person that’s in the military or traveling the world and come into contact with a widowed elderly person and indicate they want to start a relationship and manipulate them into giving them lots of money.

“There’s scams related to sweepstakes, and individual has won and needs to pay fees,” Groft said.

The best approach to preventing those with dementia from falling victim, Groft said, is to talk to them about these common types of scams, so they know they’re out there.

He said one conversation may not be enough, and more action could need to be taken.

"It’s important to talk about collaborating on financial matters,” Groft said. “Not necessarily taking over, but asking to be a second set of eyes."

If a loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, like forgetfulness, trouble finding words or difficulty with judgment or decision making, you can call Dr. Groft’s office at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals at 402-413-3900.