Fraud On The Elderly

This document discusses the problem of financial crimes against the elderly. Financial crimes against the elderly fall under two categories: fraud committed by strangers, and financial exploitation by relatives and caregivers. These categories sometimes overlap in terms of target selection and the means used to commit the crime. The differences in the offender-victim relationships suggest different methods for analyzing and responding to the problem. Fraud involves deliberately deceiving the victim with the promise of goods, services, or other benefits that are nonexistent, unnecessary, never intended to be provided, or grossly misrepresented. The frauds typically occur within a few interactions. Offenders generally use a small subset of frauds against the elderly, including prizes and sweepstakes, charity contributions, loans and mortgages, health remedies, and confidence games. Unlike strangers, relatives and caregivers often have a position of trust and an ongoing relationship with the elderly. Financial exploitation occurs when the offender steals, withholds, or otherwise misuses their elderly victims2 money, property, or valuables for personal advantage or profit, to the disadvantage of the elder. Their methods include borrowing money and not paying it back; signing or cashing pension or social security checks without permission; and forcing the elder to part with resources or to sign over property. Financial exploitation of the elderly may also occur in concert with other types of elder abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; and neglect. Understanding the factors that contribute to the problem of elder abuse will help police departments frame their own local analysis questions, determine good effectiveness measures, recognize key intervention points, and select appropriate responses. Factors contributing to financial crimes against the elderly include underreporting, victim vulnerabilities, victim facilitation, revictimization, and offender characteristics. It is important to identify the types of fraud currently operating, the likely targets, the means used to commit the fraud, and the factors that may prevent victims from reporting it. It is important to understand how offenders gain access to the victims2 funds, what the nature of the offender-victim relationship is, and what resources are available to support and protect the elderly.

"This guide is for seniors, their family members, care-givers, friends, and anyone else who may find it useful. It is not meant to include everything but tries to answer some common concerns when it comes to seniors' safety and security. The goal is to raise awareness of seniors' safety issues to improve their quality of life. The information in this guide can also be used to help people and their loved ones discuss this topic to help recognize a potential crime situation and show how to reduce or remove the risk"--Page 2.

Fraud committed against the elderly has reached epidemic proportions, and the problem will only worsen as a large segment of the American population approaches retirement age. This book explores the disturbing rise in these offenses--crimes aimed at a vulnerable segment of society that is often unable to overcome the consequences--with an eye towards helping seniors protect themselves. This handbook first defines fraud, then discusses why the elderly are targeted, the growing scope of the problem, and why these crimes often go unreported or unsolved. The second section clearly explains 28 of the most common types of fraud--including home improvement scams, health frauds, identity theft and magazine sales--in a manner that allows readers to recognize and avoid the predatory actions of others (whether strangers, friends, or even family members). The third section provides a list of resources and actions to take and for those who believe themselves to be the victim of fraud. The book also contains a list of related acronyms, an index and a bibliography.