How scams and exploitation start — and what you can do about it

Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · July 2, 2026 · 3 min read

(Aging Untold) — Scams targeting older adults rarely begin with an obvious threat. More often, they start with a friendly face, a helpful offer and a gradual erosion of boundaries. The Aging Untold experts are shedding light on what families and caregivers should look out for and what you can do ...

Why this matters in The Midland

In Midland, where a significant portion of the population is aging, the risk of scams and exploitation is a pressing concern. As local families and caregivers navigate the complexities of caring for older adults, it's crucial to recognize the warning signs of potential exploitation. The fact that scams often start with a friendly face or a helpful offer makes it even more challenging to detect. Local caregivers and family members must be vigilant and take concrete steps to protect their loved ones, such as locking away passwords and having a safe in the home. Moreover, the issue of loneliness among seniors in Midland, which can make them more susceptible to scams, highlights the need for community-based initiatives that promote social connection and support for older adults. By being aware of these risks and taking proactive measures, Midland residents can help prevent exploitation and ensure the well-being of their aging loved ones.

About this story

Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 2, 2026 · Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · Reading time: 3 min

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When was this published?

This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’ at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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Summary created by	The Midland Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 2, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

How scams and exploitation start — and what you can do about it

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