Some of us were lucky enough to time parenthood with the slow demise of our parents’ brain function (kidding, Mom! Mom?). So while we’re warning the kids to wear bike helmets and brush nightly, we’re also convincing our elders that no, no sound financial institution would ask for bank account information via email.

Here’s another reason to carefully study Mom and Dad’s appointments calendar: a free lunch aimed at stealing what’s left of their retirement.  

Said scandal comes in several variations -- free golf, free drinks, free dinner. The key is the fun is always followed by a financial seminar. So after Mom and Dad get back from the links and finish off a Tom Collins or two, attendees are subjected to high-pressure pitches for questionable financial products. Accounts have been liquidated. Bogus investments have been sold. That’s your inheritance in some jackass’s pocket.