Hi all. We have recently discovered that an elderly relative has been scammed over the internet. A message from a dating website turned into the classic romance scam where he paid out a lot of money to cover plane tickets, medical expenses, then car expenses all to enable his new love move here. It developed into a gold bar investment that she could bring etc etc. Without giving too much details, his entire savings are gone. Warnings from the bank were ignored over the last year. Gardaí have been involved but there is little can be done as the money has gone to another country and there is no suggestion that any of the people involved are here.
While there is a limited amount of acceptance on his behalf that he has been duped, there is still some belief that this will all come right and that if he stays in contact with them he will be able to recover his money. Hours of discussion have not helped in that regard. This has included follow up advice from Gardaí delivered as sternly as possible. He remains very vulnerable.
He refuses to see his GP. We do have some concerns that this denial and overall behaviour may indicate some sort of cognitive decline. There has also been significant health events over the last 5 years. There is an EPOA in favour of a daughter and my understanding is to commence that process a medical certificate is required but this is not possible when he will not attend his GP voluntarily.
He had already borrowed via cash advance on his CC to send the last payment. this we have dealt with. He is the sole owner of his home and the topic of him raising funds against this has been canvassed by these people but he has not done so -yet!!. He is convinced that some of the large cast of characters he has been chatting with are real. We have little confidence that he will be able to withstand pressure. He lives alone.
I wonder if anyone could assist on the following points:
Is anyone aware of any counselling or support that could be accessed that would be experienced in this area? It is at the stage he almost needs de-programming.
If he continues to resist seeing his GP, what can be done to arrange an assessment of his competency?
Is there any point in writing to banks/credit card providers telling them he is vulnerable and that we are putting them on notice of this in the event he seeks more funding?
I am aware of the procedure under Wards of Court but I do not know if this situation would meet those thresholds.
Any advice gratefully received!!
While there is a limited amount of acceptance on his behalf that he has been duped, there is still some belief that this will all come right and that if he stays in contact with them he will be able to recover his money. Hours of discussion have not helped in that regard. This has included follow up advice from Gardaí delivered as sternly as possible. He remains very vulnerable.
He refuses to see his GP. We do have some concerns that this denial and overall behaviour may indicate some sort of cognitive decline. There has also been significant health events over the last 5 years. There is an EPOA in favour of a daughter and my understanding is to commence that process a medical certificate is required but this is not possible when he will not attend his GP voluntarily.
He had already borrowed via cash advance on his CC to send the last payment. this we have dealt with. He is the sole owner of his home and the topic of him raising funds against this has been canvassed by these people but he has not done so -yet!!. He is convinced that some of the large cast of characters he has been chatting with are real. We have little confidence that he will be able to withstand pressure. He lives alone.
I wonder if anyone could assist on the following points:
Is anyone aware of any counselling or support that could be accessed that would be experienced in this area? It is at the stage he almost needs de-programming.
If he continues to resist seeing his GP, what can be done to arrange an assessment of his competency?
Is there any point in writing to banks/credit card providers telling them he is vulnerable and that we are putting them on notice of this in the event he seeks more funding?
I am aware of the procedure under Wards of Court but I do not know if this situation would meet those thresholds.
Any advice gratefully received!!