Seniors
Senior citizens are favored targets for many types of consumer fraud, and the fastest growing segment of Pennsylvania’s population is those who are 85 years of age or older. Frail and care-dependent elderly are often vulnerable to other forms of abuse, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
How do you prove exploitation of the elderly?
In order to win a financial elder abuse claim in California, you must show that the abuse occurred u201cmore likely than not,u201d that the victim was 65 (or dependent) at the time of the abuse, and that the perpetrator knew or should have known that their actions were likely to harm the elderly victim.
What is it called when you steal from the elderly?
Financial elder abuse (also known as “senior fraud”) is on the rise, and it can range from as simple as stealing money from an elderly person’s wallet to as complex as fraudulently taking control of an elder’s estate. And…as with many California crimes…
What constitutes elder abuse in PA?
Physical or sexual harm, assault, harassment, or abuse of an elderly person. Depriving a patient of adequate care, food, water, or medication. Undue influence or coercion, intimidation.
What constitutes exploitation of the elderly?
(7) The term “exploitation” refers to the act or process of a person or caregiver taking advantage of an elderly person for monetary, personal, or other gain, profit, or benefit.
How hard is it to prove elder abuse?
While state law requires that elder abuse be reported, the high level of proof required for criminal charges is often elusive. It is especially difficult to prove that a victim has been defrauded or stolen from if the abuser has legal documents such as a power of attorney.
Who is responsible for most crimes of financial abuse of the elderly?
According to a new survey by Wells Fargo, two-thirds of financial crimes against the elderly are perpetrated by family, friends, or other trusted individuals. Financial fraud against the elderly is most often perpetrated by those closest to the victims: family members, friends, or other trusted individuals.
What is the fastest growing form of elder abuse?
There are a variety of reasons for this, including embarrassment, fear of losing their independence, or an inability to fully recognize that a fraud has occurred.
Which act is considered financial abuse of an elder?
“The fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized, or improper act that uses the resources of an elder for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain, or that results in depriving an elder of the rightful access to, or use of, those resources,” according to the federal Elder Justice Act, enacted in 2010.
What to do if an elderly person is scammed?
There’s no need to be embarrassed; report senior citizen scams to Adult Protective Services as well as your local police. If you get a call from someone posing as an IRS agent or another government agency, report it to that agency as well.
How do I report elder financial abuse in PA?
Information and resources about Elder Abuse and Exploitation in Pennsylvania can be found in this section of PALawHelp.org.
- Report Elder Abuse.
- SeniorLAW Helpline – 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)
- Elder Financial Abuse (Video)
- Protection From Abuse.
Who are mandated reporters for elder abuse in PA?
All employees of any type of care/residential facility, home health/home care agency, hospice agency, or adult day center in Pennsylvania are required to report suspected ANE of older adults (a longer list exists for mandated reporters of suspected child abuse).
What is the penalty for elder abuse in PA?
Violation of the act that causes serious bodily injury is a felony of the first degree punishable by a fine of not more than $25,99 and a sentence of not more than 20 years in prison.
What are signs of elder financial abuse?
Elder Financial Abuse Warning Signs
- Forgeries on legal documents or checks.
- Large bank withdrawals or transfers between accounts.
- Missing belongings or property.
- Mood changes (such as depression or anxiety).
- New changes to an elder’s will or power of attorney.
Who investigates elder financial abuse?
The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network also collects fraud reports for national metropolitan statistical areas, scam prevalence by region, and reports of fraud complaints from people aged 50 and up. National Institute of Justice site with research findings on elder financial abuse.
What is exploitation of the elderly give examples?
Some examples of financial exploitation of the elderly include cashing an elderly person’s checks without their knowledge or permission, forging their signatures, duping them into signing certain documents, or withdrawing funds from their bank account without their permission using the elderly person’s ATM card.