My dad, who has dementia, received a threatening letter from a scammer that used boilerplate legalese typical of government forms. This letter warned him of potential fines or imprisonment, causing him to panic, and we had to calm him down.
The scammer employed language that is often used in elderly scams, referring to being 'guilty of a felony' with threats of severe penalties. Phrases like 'willfully attempts...to evade or defeat any tax' and 'submitting false or fraudulent returns' were included, making it sound legitimate.
Unfortunately, my dad interpreted this scam letter personally, believing it applied to him. Scammers often exploit the emotions of those with dementia and the elderly, pushing them to panic before they have a chance to read the fine print that reveals the truth.
It's crucial not to react immediately. Instead, read through the entire letter carefully to identify any red flags, as it likely doesn’t apply to you. Look for words like 'IF,' which often indicate a scam.
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