When your body is already in pain, the last thing you want to do is run to the phone only to discover it’s yet another scam call. They’re more annoying than an itch you can’t reach — and they never stop. The more numbers I block, the more calls come in.
Do Scammers Target People With Disabilities?
I often wonder if people living with disabilities, psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis are deliberately targeted by scammers. Many of these callers try to sell “miracle creams,” fake insurance policies, or products that sound too good to be true.
I’ve had psoriasis for over 55 years and psoriatic arthritis for 25 years. Believe me, if there was a cure in a bottle, I would’ve found it by now. But these callers keep pushing, hoping to find someone desperate enough to believe them.
The truth is: scammers prey on pain, fear, and hope.
A Scammer Tried to Fool My Father
Scammers don’t just target people with chronic illness — they target the elderly, too. My father, who is 84, once received a call claiming he could get $2,500 if he first sent a $250 money order. He almost believed it, but thankfully he told the scammer he’d “ask his daughter first.” They never called back.
How many people don’t have someone to double-check with and end up losing money? Too many.
Common Scam Tactics
Here are a few patterns I’ve noticed:
- Robocalls that ask you to press 1 to connect with an operator or 2 to be removed from the list (don’t press anything — it just confirms your number is active).
- Spoofed numbers that look similar to your own area code, tricking you into thinking it’s a neighbor or family member.
- Health “miracle products” claiming to cure psoriasis, arthritis, or other lifelong conditions.
My Strategy: Turn the Tables
One day, I decided not to hang up. Instead, I questioned the caller who was selling a psoriasis “spray cure.”
I asked her about:
- The product ingredients
- The manufacturer
- Her qualifications
- How long the product had been on the market
She went silent — then hung up. I already knew it was bogus, but I wanted her to know that I knew.
Sometimes, a few tough questions are enough to send scammers running.
Tips to Outsmart Scammers
If you ever get one of these calls, remember:
- Don’t give out personal or financial information.
- Ask questions and make them prove what they’re saying.
- Get their number and call them back through official channels.
- Research the product or company before making a purchase.
- Trust your instincts — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Why This Matters
People living with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or chronic illnesses are already managing pain, fatigue, and stress. False promises only add unnecessary emotional and financial strain.
Desperation makes us vulnerable, but awareness makes us strong. Protect your health, your money, and your peace of mind.
My rule of thumb is simple: know who you’re talking to, and know what they’re talking about.