About Tomasz Harold
Tomasz is a seasoned financial planner with a passion for strategic wealth management. His strengths—connectedness, learner, and futuristic—fuel his innovative leadership in Christian ministries and advisory board service. With a keen ability to anticipate trends, he develops action-driven solutions that empower caregivers and strengthen financial well-being. His visionary mindset and deep sense of purpose make him a trusted guide in both finance and faith-based initiatives.
Note: This post was developed with the help of AI research and content development tools and Edited by Tomasz Harold
The Challenge
Scammers target people of all ages, but seniors and their caregivers face the greatest risk. Fraud can drain lifelong savings, leaving little chance to recover. Beyond financial loss, the emotional impact is deep—seniors may feel ashamed, anxious, or afraid to trust others. Caregivers must stay alert, balancing protection with respect for independence. Preventing scams isn’t just about money—it’s about safeguarding dignity, security, and peace of mind for older adults and those who care for them.
Meet Bill and His Mother
Bill never thought he’d have to protect his own mother from danger—not like this. At 70, she was still sharp, but loneliness made her vulnerable. One afternoon, she answered a call from a “bank official” who claimed her account had been hacked. Panicked, she followed their instructions, transferring nearly all her savings before realizing it was a scam.
Bill found her sitting at the kitchen table, hands trembling around a cold cup of tea. “I feel so stupid,” she whispered. His heart ached. This wasn’t just about money—it was about trust, about her independence, and her sense of security. She had always been a strong, independent woman, but now she felt betrayed by someone she had never even met.
From that day on, their routine changed. Bill set up alerts on her bank account, talked her through scam warnings, and gently reminded her not to answer unknown calls. He took over managing her finances to ensure nothing else slipped through the cracks, but it was hard for her to let go of control. She had always been the one who handled everything, and now she felt powerless.
The hardest part wasn’t just about managing the finances; it was rebuilding her confidence. She hesitated before picking up the phone, second-guessed emails, and even pulled away from friendly conversations, afraid of being deceived again. Bill noticed the change in her spirit—her once bright eyes were now clouded with doubt.
Bill wished he could erase her fear, but all he could do was stand by her, reassuring her she wasn’t alone. They spent more time together, strengthening their bond through shared moments, like baking cookies and watching old movies. Slowly, with each day, he saw a glimmer of her old self—strong, trusting, and confident once again. It wasn’t easy, but Bill knew love and patience would guide them both through this difficult journey. Every small step forward brought them closer to healing.
BIBLICAL INSIGHTS
Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
This verse speaks to the emotional burden Bill’s mother carries after the scam. It reminds us of the power of encouragement and support in helping her overcome feelings of anxiety and shame.
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
This verse offers comfort to those like Bill’s mother who are feeling emotionally devastated after being deceived. It reassures that God is close to those hurting and offers healing to the brokenhearted.
Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse provides assurance that God will provide strength and support during times of fear and uncertainty. It speaks to the emotional and spiritual comfort caregivers like Bill can offer, knowing that God is with them.
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Bill, as a caregiver, needs wisdom to navigate the challenges of protecting his mother and rebuilding trust. This verse encourages him to seek God’s guidance and trust that God will provide the wisdom needed.
1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
This verse reminds both Bill and his mother that they can bring their worries and fears before God. It reassures them that God cares deeply for them and is willing to carry their burdens, including the emotional struggles from the scam.
THOUGHTS AND TIPS
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Stay Informed About Scams. Knowledge is power. Staying updated on scams helps caregivers and seniors identify threats before they can do damage.
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Set Up Fraud Alerts on Bank Accounts. Immediate alerts help catch suspicious financial activity quickly, minimizing damage.
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Create a Trusted Contact List. Having trusted contacts ensures a support system when in doubt about potential scams, preventing decisions made in isolation.
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Encourage Open Communication. Fostering a relationship where seniors feel comfortable reporting suspicions helps prevent feelings of embarrassment and fear.
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Use Call Blocking Technology. Blocking unwanted calls makes it harder for scammers to reach seniors, reducing vulnerability.
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Teach Them to Spot Red Flags. Educating seniors on what constitutes a scam increases their awareness and ability to avoid risky situations.
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Create Strong, Unique Passwords. Strong passwords and unique logins significantly reduce the risk of online fraud.
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Encourage Participation in Scam Prevention Workshops. Workshops provide valuable knowledge and confidence in recognizing and avoiding scams, empowering seniors to protect themselves.
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Monitor Financial Statements Together. Regularly reviewing financial statements helps catch suspicious activity early, before it spirals.
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Reassure Them and Offer Emotional Support. Emotional support helps rebuild confidence after a scam and strengthens the caregiver relationship.
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Use Trusted Online Services. Ensuring safe online purchases and services protects seniors from fraud and data breaches.
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Limit Sharing of Personal Information. Reducing the amount of personal information shared helps keep seniors safe from identity theft and scams.
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Set a Budget for Financial Safety. A clear budget provides structure and makes it easier to spot unusual transactions or financial discrepancies.
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Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Adding an extra layer of security to online accounts helps protect against unauthorized access.
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Set Up an Email Filter for Scam Messages. Automatic filtering reduces the chance of a scam email being opened and acted upon.
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Encourage Healthy Skepticism. Teaching seniors to question unsolicited offers or requests fosters caution and reduces the likelihood of falling for scams.
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Limit Social Media Sharing. Carefully managing what is shared on social media can prevent scammers from exploiting personal details.
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Keep Personal Documents in a Safe Place. Storing sensitive documents securely protects them from theft or misuse.
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Use Trusted Financial Advisors. Working with a financial advisor ensures that financial decisions are informed and protected from fraud.
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Create a ‘Don’t Engage’ Rule. Having a set rule to avoid engaging with suspicious contacts helps prevent impulse decisions and potential scams.
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** Note: This blog content was developed with help from ChatGPT 3.5. The story, names and images are for illustration only.
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