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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to have a word with somebody I believe is taking advantage of a family member

32 replies

starshaker · 13/12/2016 16:24

My granda has always believed in homeopathy etc. I don't see anything wrong with it and I do think some things actually do work. My problem is he has now got involved in this naturopath who I feel is taking advantage of him and conning him out of a lot of money but doing "a full work up" and has found "issues that need addressing". I really want to contact the guy and tell him to stop preying on a vulnerable old man.

Is there anything I can do?

OP posts:
Arfarfanarf · 13/12/2016 16:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

junebirthdaygirl · 13/12/2016 16:42

That annoys me so much. Could you go along to his appointment so at least they would know someone ls keeping an eye on them. Maybe question everything so they have to be fully accountable.

sleepwhatsleep · 13/12/2016 16:44

Would you do the same if the person in question was an equally close but younger person?

Why not just tell him that you feel he is wasting his money? Ask if he does have health worries and should speak to his doctor?

Original poster
starshaker · 13/12/2016 17:11

The guy comes to the house and does all these tests. Im too far away to be there when the guy is there. There are health issues he's concerned about but he's stopped going to the doctor because this guy has convinced him it can be cured by changing his diet. Ffs this man had my granda believing if he had seen him sooner hr could have cured my grandma's dementia and stopped her from dying.
Hes also quoting the Bible to him which is why I think my granda is accepting what he's saying (he's a very religious man)

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Original poster
starshaker · 13/12/2016 20:01

And yes if i felt one of my friends was being taken advantage of I would want to say something too.

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StorminaBcup · 13/12/2016 20:11

As a starting point can you find out if he's registered anywhere or a member of the homeopath society link ? If he is, then he is bound by a code of ethics. If you have concerns about his claims you could contact them and find out if his claims are within their CoE and if his claims aren't, report him. I'd also find out what he's charging and see if there is a guideline to how much they should be charging.

As pp have said you can't tell people what to spend their money on but I agree that unsubstantiated claims always set alarm bells ringing, for me, with this type of thing.

Original poster
starshaker · 13/12/2016 20:13

Hes a naturopath so I think that's different. Finding it really difficult to find out anything about him online. Trying to get more information from my granda by asking questions. So far I have the guys name but thats as much as I have

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StorminaBcup · 13/12/2016 20:18

They still have a members society here and will still be bound by a code of ethics. Doesn't hurt to check where he did his training and if he's registered as a practitioner.

StorminaBcup · 13/12/2016 20:19

You can search for him by name on the 'find a practitioner' if that's all you have to go on.

Original poster
starshaker · 13/12/2016 20:29

I think I will call them tomorrow. I had a look and hes not showing up on the site

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Atenco · 13/12/2016 22:15

He could well be a quack, but naturopathy in itself is brilliant, though it requires a lot of discipline.

I have an elderly friend whose arthritis was cured by naturopathy many years ago. Her hands are still knarled but she never, ever complains of any pain and she is not someone who would suffer in silence.

Chinashoes · 13/12/2016 22:23

If he is not registered with the relevant society and he is doing home visits I would be very concerned. I might even consider reporting him to the police. It may be worth calling your granda's local station and talking the situation over with them - in particular mention the dementia claims as that really rings alarm bells for me. I'm sure you have done already but I would also speak to your Granda about your concerns - gently of course but get your point across.

suchafuss · 14/12/2016 01:11

Is your Grandad vulnerable? If so and you have concerns that this could be financial abuse you could report it the local Safeguarding Adults Board.

user1471545174 · 14/12/2016 07:34

I would worry about financial abuse too.

dingklongmerrily · 14/12/2016 07:46

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Footle · 14/12/2016 07:52

dingklong, what an ignorant and offensive question. OP is from a different area than you - anywhere in Ireland perhaps.

Original poster
starshaker · 14/12/2016 07:58

I live in Scotland. He is my granda. That is what he has always been. What do you call yours? Not that it matters because it's nobody else's business.
I will be doing some calling around today and I've spoken to other family members. I feel he is vulnerable even though he has all his faculties I think he is being taken advantage of. It can happen to the best of us

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user1471545174 · 14/12/2016 08:04

It happens a lot to completely sentient old people who think they have found a new friend Sad

Original poster
starshaker · 14/12/2016 08:13

Yeah seemingly this guy will call and talk to him and hes desperately lonely since my grandma died

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suchafuss · 14/12/2016 08:31

Even if he has capacity the L.A. still have a duty to investigate if they think he is vulnerable and he doesn't need to be in receipt of Services from them

Original poster
starshaker · 16/12/2016 07:13

I've been emailing the guy, acting like I'm interested. I've found out he charges £110 for an appointment, he has no qualifications and is not associated with anybody. Now I'm really concerned

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Jugglingballs65 · 16/12/2016 07:17

Could try contacting trading standards. Where I live they have a dept when companies/people are preying on vulnerable people.

StorminaBcup · 16/12/2016 08:02

If you have details I'd contact the organisation above and check confirm that he's not registered / professionally trained. Age concern / Citizens advise / trading standards (as jugglingballs65 said), will be able to give you advise on what do next. How receptive would your Granda be if you present him with the evidence? I'd be concerned that he'd continue to see this person (or the person would persuade him to continue), but then not tell you and you can't keep an eye on what's going on?

Footle · 19/12/2016 07:58

OP, did you get any further with this snake oil merchant ?

Original poster
starshaker · 19/12/2016 18:10

Not really. My family say its his hobby and to leave him be. I have tried contacting that organisation but yet to speak to anybody.

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