Why do conmen target the elderly? Of course, the answer is that they're more gullible. But why is that? It seems like their experience would make them less gullible, rather than more.
2007-09-13 12:12:23 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Years ago when they grew up a hand shake meant that this person would do what he said. People didn't lie and cheat and steal. Well not as much. So when someone tells them something they believe them. We don't because we grew up where a written contract has a small print clause at the bottom that says "your screwed"
We know everyone lies on tv adds, computer adds, and people trying to sell us something probably won't even use the product. They know when they advertise some drug that it hasn't been tested on everyone and some of us will have a reaction and die. The bible even said about us : man is wiser about his own generation then even the angels.
They cannot even keep up with how the world is changing.
Think about it if some guy told you get me 2000. and I will use it to buy money orders to send to you money. I am sending you 10,000. in money orders you can cash and keep the money. Would you do it? I know I wouldn't.
Old people think that sounds like a good deal. If it were true yes it would be.
2007-09-13 12:23:44 · answer #1 · answered by Steven 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Interesting Q! Being 78, I'll bet that it's because they are lonely!! So many of their friends have died away; their families may be very busy and/or live far away; and they have no "raison d'etre" sp? A conman or woman can spot us a mile away!! Gullible has nothing to do with it, I think!! Loneliness is a DEEP NEED for attention. Cons are masters at making the "mark" feel important and interesting! No doubt, the elderly have a nagging doubt, but cancel that out in order to gain the moment's light of attention and of importance!! My Mom was so desperate that her best "friends" were the ficticious people at Reader's Digest--PROMISING her MILLIONS, if only she would buy some more magazines!!!! Also Publisher's Clearing House!! WHAT RACKETS those were!!! Once they get their hooks in--it's almost impossible to free one's elderly relative!!! My dentist says that I'll have my teeth for another 30 yrs!! Others estimate that I will live until I'm 103. The answer--which is very hard--is that the children take monitary responsibility, and make sure their parents are cared for and that their bills are paid! Thereby giving the elderly only what is needed for groceries and incidentals. It's a tough call for both!! But best in the long run!!!
2007-09-13 12:31:44 · answer #2 · answered by Martell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alzheimer's, and other forms of dementia are on the rise as people live longer. In the early stages of these diseases, many elderly people are still able to take care of their own basic needs, but are unable to distinguish the difference between a good deal and a con. This can be aggravated by isolation and loneliness. A friendly voice on the phone, or a nice man knocking at the door can sometimes be the only contact some of these people have, which may make them more vulnerable.
2007-09-13 12:31:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're easily conned because they are retired. So they are at home when the mail comes to receive the scam deals and use the internet a lot. They are trying to learn the internet but, don't realize how unsecure it is or how to stop spam mail. So they respond to every piece of mail they receive, thinking that they will win something or make money, just like the guy I saw on the news yesterday. It really comes down to a lack of knowledge (because people didn't do that when they were younger) of junk mail and the internet.
2007-09-13 12:23:51 · answer #4 · answered by rachel b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I don't agree that one can generalize that the elderly are more gullible. Some of them are--some aren't. I have met wisened old folks who know way more that anyone could expect. I admit they aren't the majority, but they do exist. As do those who have their wits about them still. And then there are elderly who are in relatively good physical shape--don't wanna mess with them.
2007-09-13 12:30:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer really is not that they are more gullible, most of them are/where smart. I am a CNA and I work in a retirement home. In the assisted living floors. It is because they tend to lose more mental faculties as they get older, and more physical too. They can't see as well as they used to, they can't judge people as they used to, due to loss of memory and other mental faculties. They often have mobility problems. We have had experiences of people coming in off the street asking them for money in the home that I work for and the police have been informed and are looking out for us. They really can't help how they have become, and it's up to responsible people looking out for them to see that they aren't taken advantage of.
2007-09-13 12:38:12 · answer #6 · answered by Kate J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Weak men of all ages and types are targeted for rape in prisons, so, if the elderly man in question is weak, then yes, he's highly likely to get assaulted. Good luck!... ☺
2016-05-18 23:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by shery 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many elderly people are neglected by their families and many of their friends are dead or dying, some elderly people are so anxious to talk to a human being willing to treat them with 'respect' that they fall easily into these traps.
2007-09-13 12:16:53 · answer #8 · answered by Cassthinking 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they have some kind of a income ,some elderly people have fragile health, are lonely, need help and don't know who to trust. they are less likely to be able to fight back. i just get sick when i hear of a criminal abusing our seniors.
2007-09-13 12:35:03 · answer #9 · answered by baachi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are old, frail, some lose their memory and some just trust anybody, always wanting to see the good in somebody.
2007-09-13 12:19:44 · answer #10 · answered by Kim-909 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋