Seniors are often our most generous generation. They grew up in an era where a knock on the door or a phone call from a charity was legitimate. Today, however, that generosity has become a target for sophisticated scammers.
Fake charity scams are exploding, particularly after natural disasters or during the holiday seasons. Scammers use names that sound almost identical to real organizations to trick seniors into donating to causes that don’t exist. If you’re serving as Power of Attorney for an aging parent, understanding how to distinguish between legitimate charities and criminal enterprises is essential.
Red Flags of Charity Scams
Legitimate charities welcome your support but rarely demand it instantly. Watch for these warning signs:
- The Name Game: Scammers use names that mimic real organizations (for example, “The Cancer Fund of America” instead of the “American Cancer Society”)
- Suspicious Payment Methods: Real charities accept checks and credit cards, while scammers demand gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- High-Pressure Tactics: Claims that donations are “urgent” or that matching grants expire within hours
- The “Thank You” Trick: Calls thanking your parent for a pledge they never made, creating guilt or confusion that leads to payment
Your Authority as Power of Attorney
Your ability to intervene depends entirely on your parent’s cognitive status.
If Your Parent is Competent: When your parent is mentally capable, they retain the legal right to make their own financial decisions, even poor ones. You cannot forcibly stop donations if they understand what they’re doing. However, you can use verification as a helpful delay tactic. Suggest looking up the organization on Charity Navigator or Give.org first to ensure their money reaches its intended purpose.
If Your Parent is Incapacitated: When your parent has been deemed incapacitated through proper medical evaluation or trust provisions, you have a fiduciary duty to protect their assets. You can legally block suspicious transactions, contact the bank to stop payments, or report charges as fraud.
Practical Steps for Protection
If you notice piles of “free” return address labels, calendars, or other solicitation materials at your parent’s home, they may be on a “sucker list” that scammers share.
Consider these protective measures: Review their checkbook regularly for recurring donations to similarly named organizations, ask their financial advisor to add you as a “Trusted Contact” so unusual withdrawals trigger alerts, and register their phone number at Donotcall.gov to reduce solicitation calls.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Charity fraud is particularly cruel because it weaponizes empathy and exploits the generous spirit of those who’ve given so much throughout their lives. By setting up safeguards now, you ensure your parent’s hard-earned money supports real causes rather than criminals.
If you’re navigating Power of Attorney responsibilities or need guidance protecting your loved one’s financial interests, we’re here to help. Contact the Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall at (813) 438-8503 to discuss your family’s specific situation and create a plan that provides both protection and peace of mind.