Quick Summary

Here’s a summary of a growing problem: scams targeting older adults are becoming more common—and more convincing.

These scams often involve someone pretending to be a trusted person, creating a relationship, or offering something that sounds too good to be true. The goal is simple: to get money or personal information.

The good news is that there are warning signs. And there are simple ways families can help protect the people they love.

Why This Matters

Scammers today are very good at what they do. They don’t just ask for money—they build trust first.

Sometimes they pretend to be from the IRS or a bank. Other times, they act like a grandchild in trouble or a new romantic partner. In some cases, they promise a big prize or a “can’t miss” investment.

What makes these situations hard is how real they feel.

There are a few common patterns to watch for:
• A sense of urgency—“You need to act right now.”
• A fast emotional connection—lots of compliments or personal sharing right away
• Requests for secrecy—“Don’t tell anyone about this”

These are not small things. They are deliberate tactics.

Many older adults feel embarrassed if something happens, so they stay quiet. That can allow the problem to continue or get worse.

From a planning standpoint, this is important. Protecting assets is not just about having the right estate plan. It’s also about protecting against loss during life.

Even when rules exist to protect people, real-world situations can unfold quickly. That’s why family awareness and communication matter just as much as the legal plan itself.

Simple Lesson

Trust your instincts—if something feels rushed, secret, or too good to be true, it usually is.

Action Step

Have a simple conversation with your loved ones. Let them know it’s okay to pause, ask questions, and check with you before sending money or sharing information.

If you believe you or a loved one has been scammed, here is a link to the National Elder Law Fraud Hotline where you can talk to specialists and they will assign you a case manager to help you through the process.

If this topic raises questions for you or your family, feel free to call (517) 548-7400 or contact us online: https://www.michiganestateplans.com/contact-us