How Do Nonpayment or Failed Delivery Scams Impact the Elderly?

Nonpayment and failed delivery scams can have a serious financial impact on elderly individuals, especially those on fixed incomes. Failed delivery scams are more common and occur when a scammer tricks a victim into believing there’s an issue with a package or delivery that was supposed to be sent to them. To resolve the supposed problem, the victim is asked to provide personal information, pay a fee, or click on a link that could lead to a phishing website designed to steal their personal or financial information. Also, non-delivery scams may refer to when a senior pays for a product or service from a fraudulent source, and never receives what they’ve purchased. The money lost from these types of scams can be difficult or impossible to recover. 

A nonpayment scam is a type of fraud that occurs when an elderly person is selling a good or service, and a person or business either refuses to pay for what they’ve received or falsely claims they haven’t received anything, leading to a financial loss for the seller or service provider.

In addition to the financial toll, these scams can cause emotional distress. The embarrassment or shame of being duped may lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety or depression, further harming the senior’s mental health and overall well-being.

Sources

“Holiday Scams”. FBI.gov. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/holiday-scams

“How to Protect a Loved One from Elder Fraud”. AAA: The Extra Mile. https://cluballiance.aaa.com/the-extra-mile/advice/budget/how-to-protect-a-loved-one-from-elder-fraud

“Package Delivery Scams”. American Bankers Association. https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/protect-your-money/package-delivery-scams

“The Psychological Impact of Financial Elder Abuse”. Evans Law. https://www.evanslaw.com/practice-areas/financial-elder-abuse/psychological-impact-of-financial-elder-abuse/