Psalm 37:28 – “For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever.”
This is JUST STRAIGHT TALK. I’m your host, R-E SAMPLE. Today we’re talking about something serious and unfortunately very real — how to protect ourselves and our loved ones from elder fraud and financial abuse. No one wants to believe it can happen to them, but the truth is, seniors are often targets. Scammers are clever, patient, and sometimes even pretend to care. They come with smiles or scary threats. But we can be wiser. We can be ready.
Jehovah, our shield and protector, we thank you for watching over us. We ask you today to guard our minds and our finances. Help us recognize when something is wrong. Give us the courage to speak up, and the wisdom to walk carefully in this world. Surround us with people we can trust. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Elder fraud is on the rise. Every year, billions of dollars are stolen from seniors through scams, theft, and manipulation. And it’s not just strangers — sometimes the abuse comes from people close to us. That’s why awareness is so important. It’s not about fear — it’s about wisdom.
Scammers target seniors for a reason. They assume we’re trusting, less tech-savvy, or easy to confuse. But just because we’ve got a few more years behind us doesn’t mean we’re fools. Jehovah gives us the power to stand guard.
One common scam is the **“grandparent scam.”** You get a call or text saying, “Grandma, I’m in trouble, don’t tell Mom or Dad!” They might say they were in an accident or arrested and need money right away. It sounds urgent and emotional — and that’s the point. But stop and think. Always verify. Call your grandchild or another family member directly.
Then there are **fake charities** or disaster relief scams. After storms or tragedies, scammers pretend to collect donations. They sound official and may even use real names. But don’t donate over the phone. Take down the info and check it yourself.
**Phone scams and robocalls** are another big one. If someone calls claiming to be from Social Security, the IRS, Medicare, or a bank — hang up and call the real number. These agencies do not demand information or payments over the phone. And never press numbers to “remove yourself from a list.” That just tells scammers your number works.
**Tech support scams** are also growing. A pop-up might appear on your screen saying there’s a virus or security issue. They want you to call a number or click a link. Don’t do it. Real companies like Microsoft or Apple don’t call you out of the blue or lock your computer to fix it.
Here’s a hard truth: sometimes the abuser is a family member, caregiver, or neighbor. Financial abuse can include taking money without permission, pressuring you to sign documents, misusing your credit cards, or even stealing checks. It’s heartbreaking, but if something feels wrong, speak up. Don’t stay silent to keep peace. Jehovah sees everything, and He stands with the vulnerable.
**Protect yourself by staying organized.** Keep your financial papers in one place. Review your bank statements. Check your credit report. If that feels overwhelming, ask someone you trust — a child, church elder, or financial advisor — to help review things regularly. Two sets of eyes are better than one.
Be careful about who you add to your bank accounts. Joint accounts can be helpful, but they also give the other person full access. Consider instead giving someone power of attorney through legal channels. That way, there’s oversight and protection.
**Use strong passwords** for your online banking and email. Don’t reuse the same password everywhere. If you’re unsure how to do this, ask someone you trust to help. Also, set up alerts with your bank. Many institutions will send you a text or email for large transactions or login attempts.
And here’s something many folks don’t think about — **watch your mail.** If bills stop arriving or you start getting calls about accounts you never opened, someone may be using your identity. Report anything strange right away.
When in doubt, **pause**. Scammers love to rush you. They’ll say “act now!” or “don’t tell anyone!” That’s a red flag. Nothing in finances has to be done in secret or without a moment to think.
Talk to others. Discuss what you’re hearing or seeing. Sharing your experiences might help someone else. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Churches, senior centers, and nonprofits often offer free classes or resources on avoiding scams.
**Most importantly, don’t be ashamed.** If something happened or almost happened, speak up. Report it to the police or a trusted organization. Scammers count on silence. But your voice can stop them — not just for you, but for others.
You’ve worked too hard to lose it to a scam. You’ve been faithful, you’ve sacrificed, and you’ve earned the right to enjoy your later years without fear. Protecting your money is not about greed — it’s about stewardship. Jehovah has entrusted us with resources, and he gives us the tools to protect them.
Being alert is an act of faith. It says, “I’m watching, I’m prepared, and I’m wise.” That wisdom comes from Jehovah. So stay sharp. Ask questions. And surround yourself with people who want the best for you.
I’m R-E SAMPLE, and this has been JUST STRAIGHT TALK. Scammers may be persistent, but you are stronger. You’ve got wisdom, experience, and faith on your side. Jehovah preserves his saints — and that includes you. I’ll see you next time.
Remember– TRUTH DON’T CHANGE. JUST STRAIGHT TALK