Elderly Romance Scam Can Target Family Members
Relatives Warned of Identity Theft and Fraud From Black Widow Crime
Oct 4, 2009
What starts as a romantic venture for an elderly man or woman should raise suspicions among family members familiar with black widow scams. A caregiver should be cautious when an elderly loved one – or disabled person – in his or her care suddenly becomes involved in an intimate relationship. The senior may have met a person online, met someone over the phone or by other means of communication, or may have met someone in person.
A black widow can be of any age and can strike up what appears to be an innocent friendship when romance is not convenient. Victims of black widow scams lose life savings, but family members are at risk for fraud and identity theft, too.
Who are Black Widows?
Black widows/widowers are manipulative persons who prey on vulnerable individuals for the purpose of monetary gain. Black widows target persons with disabilities and seniors who are usually single. Victims may receive government checks or have substantial savings and investments. The perpetrator stirs up a romantic interest or close friendship to gain the victim's trust, and then robs him or her blind before moving on to the next prey.
Black widow criminals often don't raise suspicion among caregivers or other family members until it's too late. Admittedly, many family members think it's "sweet" or "a blessing" that someone has taken a romantic interest in the disabled or elderly person. Only when the money is gone – and the new sweetheart has disappeared – does anyone suspect fraud and theft.
Old acquaintances can become black widow criminals too, taking up – and taking advantage – where old times left off. The crime could be spontaneous – a golden opportunity too good to pass up. Or, the crime could be well-planned right down to the "chance" meeting that brought two old acquaintances together again.
Internet friendships – and relationships – develop online through dating services and social networks. Black widow scam artists work the Internet, looking for lonely and isolated victims. Chat rooms aren't as popular as they once were, but black widows can easily find potential "clients" on sites where elderly and disabled people meet or leave comments on forums.
Black Widow Scams Extend to Family Members
A black widow romances his (or her) way into a disabled or elderly person's life and gains the person's trust. The scammer begins worming his or her way into the victim's bank account and personal information. The scammer may gamble or make bad investments. He spends money on trips, shopping sprees, entertainment, and continues spending until the accounts are drained. Before anyone realizes what has happened, the victim's assets are liquidated, the house is headed for foreclosure, and the retirement account is empty. Once the money is gone, the relationship breaks up. But that's not the end.
Grandma or Grandpa might have brought his/her new friend or companion into a son or daughter's home. A professional black widow would seize any opportunity to collect personal data such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and any vital information.
A black widow can cause identity theft, fraud, and financial ruin for family members who didn't think twice about leaving bills, important letters, and bank statements on a desk in the hallway or in some other place that was easily accessible. And too, Grandma or Grandpa might have talked about family business – might have leaked passwords or information a scammer would find very useful.
Teens in the family may have computer passwords to online websites like Amazon and Ebay. A professional black widow would be happy to befriend anyone in the family that might lead him to more accounts and more funds.
Clues that Point to a Black Widow Scam
Black widow scams can happen to anyone, even a victim who has no money and no family. Caregivers, family, even friends and neighbors are warned to look for clues that might point to a friend or loved one involved in a black widow scam:
- A stranger or former acquaintance suddenly takes a special interest in an elderly or disabled loved one.
- The new person offers a chance to get into a sure-fire money-making deal, but needs money up front to get started and promises to pay it back.
- The new person is overly anxious to live together, buy a home or condo, or get married.
- The scammer takes out a hefty life insurance policy on the victim – this may happen to the elderly or disabled person who has little or no money, no savings, and no family.
- The scammer wants to have joint bank accounts, or feels he should have access to accounts, using the excuse: "In case something should happen to you."
- The scam artist wants the victim to update his will – and wants to be the executor.
- The scam artist spends money lavishly, shopping, dining, and taking trips – often without the victim. He makes financial decisions without the victim's knowledge.
- As the money and assets dwindle, the scammer loses interest in the relationship and leaves.
Black widows cleverly gain access to life insurance policies, wills, bank accounts, and anything else of value that the victim owns. Family members may also become victims just by associating with the new “best friend” or “lover” in their loved one's life. Caregivers and family are warned to look for clues of black widow activity.
Scams involving life insurance policies have been known to lead to tragic endings. Don’t risk the financial future and life of an elderly or disabled loved. Stay alert to any suspicious activity that may threaten a family’s well-being and take action immediately to stop a black widow scam.
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