What do I do about my sister's low-life scamming boyfriend?

Question

To make a REALLY long story short ... My sister's 35 year old boyfriend is scamming an old woman out of thousands of dollars. He's a landscaper and she's one of his customers. So far, over the past 5 weeks, he's gotten $20 thousand out of her, but we know she had (when this started) $135 thousand in a shoe box in her house.

He tells her he's sick and needs the money for bills and the mortgage ... he even cried to her. But last week he went out and bought a 1998 Cadillac!!!

He says she's giving him the money but we suspect otherwise, possibly even stealing it. My sister just listens to everything he tells her. But I don't and my parents don't because we know people who know him and he's got a LONG police record and has been in jail for stealing from homes before.

He's a real low-life piece of garbage but that's a whole other story. I'm just wondering what I can do, if anything, before this poor old woman has no money left.

Answer 1

Call the police immediately, before he starts scamming your sister out of everything she has.  If the old lady has family I notify them.  I'd tell her at once too and perhaps help her call the police.  Most communities have some version of adult protective services, which seeks to protect elderly people from this type of victimization.  You can make anonymous tips but I find more satisfaction in giving my name.  Don't let this loser intimidate you, either.  He is the one with the prison record.  He has much more to fear from you and the police than the other way around.  Don't worry if your sister gets mad at you.  Yes, it is her life but she is also your sister and protecting family comes first.

Answer 2

Call the police and tell neither the boyfriend or your sister!

It is my understanding that if you know and/or have reasonable cause to suspect a crime is being committed and do NOT report it, you could be charged with "accessory after the fact."

Yes, it is elder abuse and needs to be reported both to the police and to social services [Dept of Aging].  The lady may need a conservator.

Answer 3

You better start collecting evidence now! This may be needed in the future. I would go ahead and talk with a Detective at the local police Dept. Give him a heads up. Get someones attention on it now!

Answer 4

Does the old woman have family?  Is there a way you can contact them if she does?  If so, do so ASAP.  Also, you could contact the local police and give them a heads up on what you stated here.  Let them know about your suspicions and hopefully they'll start an investigation.  You should also talk to the old woman, letting her know about your suspicions if possible.

Answer 5

call the cops and tell them someone is being robbed.  The longer you delay, the more $ your sister & boyfriend will spend.  The less the old lady will get back.

P.S.  You can also write the lady an anonymous letter telling her the truth.

Answer 6

Call the cops - tell them he's bragging about ripping off a poor old woman - if you have her info, let them know that.  Give them all of his info.

Good luck

DON'T not call cause you want to help your sister - her dating a low life like this is bad for her and if you call the cops it will be helping more.

Answer 7

this is called elder abuse and I'm pretty sure it is a felony. Call the police and tell them what you know. In California there are laws in place to prevent this from happening. I don't know what state you are in, but I'd wager there are similar laws.

At the very least you can get him on grand theft charges, the problem would be if the lady tells the police she willingly gave it to him, then their hands are tied.

Let the police look up his record and present it to the woman. Hopefully she will realize it was a scam.

If she in any way shows signs of Alzheimer's, he's in real trouble  with the law.

Good luck. Sometimes we sisters pull some bonehead moves when it comes to guys.

Answer 8

Hire a PI to build a case.

Answer 9

I would tell that poor old woman and call the police  don't let him get away with that.