SCAM ALERT: Caregiver Social Isolation, Vulnerability and Social Media Interaction

As a caregiver, social isolation can make you vulnerable to online scams. Learn how to protect yourself from the manipulations of scammers on Facebook and other social media platforms, and how to spot red flags in online relationships.

Diane Carbo

Feb 12, 2023 • 7 min read

Scam Alert

Caregiver social isolation is a topic of deep concern, and I feel compelled to issue a Scam Alert based on recent experiences. A client reached out to me, distressed over a broken heart and a significantly lighter bank account. This individual is a caregiver, often feeling lonely, emotionally drained, and socially isolated, and her primary mode of communication is through the internet.

Why Do Vulnerable Individuals Fall for Scams?

This client, a smart and professional middle-aged woman, maintains a Facebook page and was approached by a man who expressed interest in a romantic relationship. Over time, she found herself sending him money under the belief that he would reimburse her once they met in person. It's a story we've all heard too often.

Lately, I've noticed various posts on my Facebook feed from different men and women expressing frustration about unsolicited advances from individuals seeking relationships. This made me ponder the extent of such scams.

Now, I must confess that I've been told throughout my life that I bear a resemblance to the character "Gloria" from the sitcom "Archie Bunker." At 57 years old, I'm told I resemble Angela Lansbury! Yet, even I receive charming emails proposing relationships.

These emails are quite formulaic, praising my beauty (in an Angela Lansbury kind of way) and expressing fascination with my profile, even though it's mostly empty, and it used to feature my late son's picture.

So, with a group of mature female friends, I decided to respond to the next two "advances" we received, mainly for educational purposes. What followed was an enlightening and somewhat unnerving experience.

What we discovered is that there's a system in place, where individuals—likely both men and women—operate as master manipulators. They feign interest, boost self-esteem, and emphasize the importance of "honesty" in the budding relationship. They try to win your heart, often posing as churchgoers to appear more trustworthy.

All of them push for frequent email communication and chat but discourage Skype or telephone conversations. Phone calls only come into play after they embark on a sudden, overseas trip, and strangely, they expect you to call them because, inexplicably, they can't make long-distance calls themselves.

As caregivers, loneliness and isolation can lead us to seek companionship. However, we must exercise caution to protect our hearts, wallets, and overall well-being. When in doubt, reach out to someone trustworthy or share your experiences to raise awareness.

Part 2

I will share the responses we received as we played along with these newfound relationships. We started cautiously, expressing our concerns that this might be a scam. Here's the next response:

"Thanks for the brief introduction about yourself, and I'd like to know more as time progresses. Let's be friends first and see where this leads. I'm not into cybersex but real friendship.

Allow me to share a bit about me. I was born in Sweden and spent most of my life in Europe before moving to a small town in Halifax, Canada, at age 5. I attended college briefly until financial constraints brought me back home. Tragically, I lost my mother to hypertension, followed by my father after a brief illness.

I work in investment banking with extensive financial advisory and research experience. I've served overseas, toured different parts of the world, and been with a large payroll company for over six years.

During the summer, I enjoy hiking, biking, and sports, and I love cooking. I'm part of a slow pitch softball team, but I've always lacked a skiing buddy during the winter. I don't smoke, and I drink socially. I've only been with one person, my late wife, who I lost in a tragic accident in Michigan while shopping for her wedding gown on our 3rd anniversary.

My wife's loss is still a painful reality, and I cherish our time together. Now, I live with my son. Online dating became an option because my uncle found success and remarried using it. He's my inspiration.

I'm a bit shy initially, but I open up once I get to know people. I need someone with energy in my life, someone who enjoys life as you seem to. I love watching ball games but not for picking up women, as I travel extensively for work.

I've always struggled with approaching someone, so I thought I'd give this online avenue a try. The distance between us makes things challenging, but we can learn a lot about each other this way. I promise to be honest and truthful. If I don't respond today, have a wonderful day, and I'll talk to you when I'm back home."

Readers, you'll notice numerous inconsistencies in this story. Yet, the vulnerable often overlook these details. In the next few days, I'll share more experiences related to this topic. It's on the fringes of caregiving, but loneliness often drives us to seek companionship.

Learn About Check Washing

Part 3: Protecting Yourself

As our communication continued, we started asking specific questions about him, his life, and his family. Here's the response:

"I'm glad to hear from you today. This was my first time on Facebook, and I wanted to give it a try. I've seen your profile for a while but wanted to be sure about it. Your beautiful picture caught my attention.

I've been thinking about you since I saw your profile. I might be right or wrong about you, but I can't stop thinking about what I saw. Your profile possesses a magnetic charm that drew my interest and fascination.

My immediate response was driven by spontaneous mutual attraction, rendering me helpless and unable to resist communicating with you. Allow me the opportunity to get to know you better.

Distance isn't a barrier if our hearts connect, and I don't see it as an obstacle but a reminder of how strong true love can be. I find your beauty incomparable, and my eyes are set on you.

'A picture is worth a thousand words,' and yours left me speechless. Feel free to email me anytime, and take care of yourself for me."

Larry

For readers, it's essential to note the exaggeration of charm in this response. Our email response, initially cautious and questioning, seemed to send him dancing, despite our suggestions that he might be a scammer. It's crucial for vulnerable individuals not to be swayed by sweet words and caring phrases. The goal for these scammers isn't a genuine relationship; it's financial gain.

To protect yourself in the realm of online interactions, consider the following tips:

Limit Personal Information: If using Facebook or other social media, restrict your information and privacy settings to trusted friends only. Avoid posting your whereabouts or activities publicly.
Use Reputable Dating Sites: If seeking companionship, opt for dating sites that screen their members and have privacy policies in place.
Be Cautious with Unsolicited Requests: Never respond to unsolicited advances from strangers on social media. These can often lead to scams.
Maintain Anonymity: Do not reveal identifying information early in your interactions. Create a separate email address for online relationships.
Request Recent Photos: Ask for recent photos to ensure authenticity. Multiple pictures are even better.

Take It Slow: Don't rush into a relationship. Protect your heart, wallet, and overall well-being. Be cautious when something doesn't feel right.
Use Video Calls: Whenever possible, opt for video calls through platforms like Skype or Messenger to verify the person's identity.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or inconsistent, don't hesitate to question or cut off contact. Your safety should be your top priority.
Public Meetings: If you decide to meet in person, choose public places and use your own transportation.
Inform Trusted People: Always let friends or family know where you are and what your plans are. Check in with them frequently.
Trust Your Gut: If you feel uneasy or something doesn't ring true, don't ignore those feelings.

Remember, in the quest for companionship, your safety and well-being are paramount. Stay vigilant and protect yourself as you navigate the digital world.

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