Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

#122 - My Aging Parent Won't Stop Giving Money to A Scammer. What Can I Do?


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What do you do when your aging parent is being scammed—and keeps sending money even after you’ve begged them to stop? It’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating. And it can leave you feeling powerless.

If this is happening in your family, you’re not alone—and there is hope.

In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on when an older adult falls victim to financial exploitation, why they often can’t stop—even when they know it’s a scam—and how to intervene without shaming or severing the relationship.

You'll learn:
 ✅ Why people get trapped in scams—even when the truth is obvious
 ✅ What “dignity of risk” and “duty of care” mean for families
 ✅ How to lead with compassion instead of control
 ✅ What to do when cognitive decline might be involved
 ✅ Concrete steps to prevent revictimization
 ✅ Where to turn for professional support

Whether you're a family member or a professional working with older adults, this episode is packed with tools to help you respond with clarity, compassion, and courage.

Professionals: Click here to get your free "Support for Older Adults After Financial Scams" Guide


Resources Mentioned:

  • Older Adult Nest Egg: Assess financial vulnerability and get expert tools for reducing risk
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network: Up-to-date scam alerts and prevention tips
  • Give an Hour: Mental health support including for victims of exploitation
  • Center for Mental Health & Aging: Find a therapist specializing in older adults
  • Adult Protective Services: State-specific reporting and support


Click here to see the show notes 

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina KoeppBy Dr. Regina Koepp

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