How To! with Mike Pesca How To Protect The Elderly From Scammers
Mar 24, 2026
Amy Nofziger, AARP senior fraud expert with 20+ years protecting older adults, and Nancy Rommelmann, journalist who lived through her mother’s scams, discuss protecting seniors from evolving fraud. They cover phone and romance scams, crypto “pig butchering,” call blockers, credit freezes, power of attorney, and team-based admin nights to keep loved ones safe.
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Trusted Accountant Stole From An 89 Year Old
- Nancy Rommelmann's mother signed a blank check and the long-time accountant paid himself over $16,000.
- The accountant also paid $5,000 to a corrupt attorney and other funds vanished, revealing betrayal by a trusted professional.
Elderly Victim Claimed She Loved Richard Gere
- An 84-year-old woman told her kids she was having a year-long romance with someone claiming to be Richard Gere and was pressured to send money.
- She tried selling jewelry and got angry when family intervened, illustrating emotional manipulation in romance scams.
Secure Durable Power Of Attorney Early
- Get durable power of attorney ahead of cognitive decline so trusted family can manage bills and decisions when needed.
- Nancy had durable POA and used it to pay bills and step in with utility companies when mom couldn't manage finances.