A 90-year-old woman from Elimäki, Finland became the target of a suspicious phone sales scam this week. Terttu Maamila received an unexpected call from an unknown number on Tuesday.
Shortly after answering, she got a text message confirming a free bathroom moisture inspection scheduled for Wednesday. The message claimed the service was booked for 6 PM.
Maamila's daughter Pirjo Ylärakkola became suspicious immediately when her mother shared what happened. She recognized potential elder fraud since her mother has hearing difficulties and likely didn't understand the phone conversation.
Ylärakkola investigated further and discovered the housing association hadn't ordered any renovations. Neighbors in the same building received no similar calls or messages.
The family attempted to contact the company directly but found no working phone number online. Ylärakkola and her husband waited outside the building on Wednesday afternoon in case anyone showed up despite their cancellation request.
No one arrived, and the company hasn't been heard from since.
Consumer protection expert Venla Happonen explained that phone sales themselves aren't illegal under Finnish law. However, companies must provide written confirmation after calls, and consumers must confirm offers before contracts become binding.
Happonen noted that vulnerable elderly people often face aggressive marketing tactics, with only a fraction of cases reaching authorities. She emphasized that consumers are never obligated to agree to contracts during sales calls.
When sales situations seem suspicious, discussing them with trusted family members or friends can provide protection. The case highlights how scammers often target elderly residents who may not fully understand modern sales tactics.
Elder fraud remains concerning across Nordic countries despite consumer protection laws. Families should maintain open communication with older relatives about unexpected calls or offers.