To the Journal editor:

I would like to share a cautionary tale that is all too commonly heard today. My mother employed a housekeeper that she trusted and befriended.

She gave this woman access to her home and her full trust. This individual was very eager to help my mom and stopped by several times a week to “see how she was doing.”

My mother is a kind and caring individual who only thinks the best of people. Very common for an older person, she does not look for someone to be untrustworthy.

The family noted that she was spending an unbelievable amount of money and going to the bank much more frequently. We were unable to account for where the money was actually going. We tried a number of things to secure her money in the home but it still kept disappearing.

One of my cousins became suspicious of the housekeeper and this was discussed with my mother who agreed. The police were called and they were extremely responsive and helpful. The housekeeper was arrested and convicted.

Individuals with people working in their home should have background checks done on anyone coming into the home, keep track of their possessions and report any loss to the police. If your family member has problems managing their money, some one may well be helping themselves to your loved ones hard-earned money.

Martha Short

Marquette