Elder Fraud: What You Need to Know

Friday, 13 January 2012 11:06

January 2012

Elder Fraud: What You Need to Know

LifeCircle’s Voices of Our Neighbors initiative invites our neighbors to speak out—and up—for our older adults and adults with disabilities that need our help. At our annual KUDOS Awards Breakfast last September, we again invited attendees to share a story about a person needing help. Our event featured an informative booth highlighting these poignant stories.

Here is V’s story….

 V lives alone and is fiercely independent at age 98. She has been an avid reader all her life and a supporter of equal rights for all people. As signs of dementia crept in, V went further and further into her past eliminating much of the current happenings in her life. When several individuals (one at a time) knocked on her door, she opened it, assuming each could be trusted. Over $50,000 later, writing checks to strangers for work they never performed, V lost most of her savings. Not wanting her family to know (she wanted to remain independent and felt foolish), her neighbor went to court for her to help identify some of the thieves. She is not alone.

I trust that V’s story made you angry. I hope it also makes you determined to protect your family members and neighbors. Here are some resources:

• Top Ten Elder Fraud Prevention Methods by Jill Gilbert suggests that you prepare a “cheat sheet” of the best ways to avoid common tricks. Post it near the phones and all computers in your loved one’s home. http://www.caring.com/articles/senior-citizen-scams http://www.caring.com/articles/senior-citizen-scams
• Sign up for the national “do not call” registry. It’s free. Call 888-382-1222 or register online at www.donotcall.gov
• More fraud protection tips: www.fraud.org/elderfraud
• The FBI also has an online resource outlining common fraud schemes used on seniors. http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2008/april/seniofraud_041008

So have this discussion next time you visit Mom or Dad. Share V’s story. Then role-play with your loved one. Practice responses….including hanging up (it is sometimes ok to be rude) and NOT answering the door.

Concerned about a loved one or neighbor? Remember Fairfax County’s Adult Protective Services protects individuals from abuse, neglect or exploitation. Their number: 703.324.7450.

Let’s knock out elder fraud in Fairfax County. Do it for V!

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