Tag / elder abuse

by joshuastanley720

Police Help 78-Year-Old Recover Money Stolen from Her in Scam

Scams against seniors come in many forms. We’ve detailed many of them right here in our blog.

Some scams try to intimidate their victims. Others are based around the prospect of a reward. A recent incident in Florida fell into the former category.

While many scams against this age bracket go unsolved, this case has a happier ending. The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) helped this woman recover well over $100,000 of her stolen money.

A Textbook Example of One of the Top Scams Against Seniors

When a 78-year-old woman got a call from what she thought was the Social Security Administration, she didn’t know she was already being targeted by fraudsters.

But their scheme was underway. They told her a UPS package sent to her contained money, drugs, driver’s licenses, and bank cards. The woman was led to believe that the fraudsters targeting her on the phone were actually trying to help her.

They convinced her to transfer about $200,000 from her bank into cryptocurrency and other accounts for safe keeping.

Once officers were alerted of the crime, they sprang into action. A detective obtained a search warrant for the accounts where the money was deposited. The fraudsters had already spent some of the money on crypto. However, officers were able to recover $142,000 of the stolen money.

We commend the woman for speaking out, and the police for their great work. Here at The Seniors Center blog, we take pride in spreading the word about scams. We believe in helping people stay alert, so they can protect themselves from scams against seniors.

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by joshuastanley720

Pass It On: Celebrate Older Americans Month by Helping to Stop Scams

During this Older Americans Month, seniors across the nation celebrate not just their wisdom and experiences, but also a decade of invaluable fraud education through the Pass It On campaign by the FTC.

Embracing the theme of social connections, the campaign has fostered thousands of interactions, igniting dialogues to safeguard against scams.

We here at The Seniors Center support all efforts to protect seniors and older adults from fraud. Here’s how this program and the movement around it are promoting safety through education and community.

Pass It On: A Movement That Spreads Information and Hope

Initially conceived based on direct feedback from older adults, Pass It On embodies simplicity, clarity, and relevance. It delivers plain language materials that honor readers and their life journeys.

What began with coverage of critical topics has expanded greatly. The more people come forward to discuss their experiences with scams, the easier it is for others to speak up as well. This makes the movement one of camaraderie and mutual support.

Seniors, with their diverse backgrounds and learning preferences, are vulnerable to scams regardless. Hence, a consortium of stakeholders has outlined principles for organizations engaging older adults. This movement was built on said principles, and remains a completely free resource for everyone to use.

Over the past decade, a multitude of community partners have tirelessly disseminated Pass It On messages to their circles, spanning from clients to neighbors. From aging services to consumer protection groups, financial institutions to law enforcement, dedicated individuals have conducted presentations, led discussions, and shared insights with loved ones.

The impact spans beyond organizations. Individuals now feel more confident discussing these matters in casual conversation, creating a beacon that shines light on scams and how to stop them.

Keen to become part of this network? Explore opportunities at ftc.gov/PassItOn and join in the collective effort to fortify seniors against scams.

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by The Seniors Center

10% of Older Adults May Be Victims of Elder Abuse, Justice Department Finds

elder abuse
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For seniors and their loved ones around the country, the idea of elder abuse is frightening and difficult to comprehend. Whether someone you’ve entrusted with your care acts maliciously or you fall victim to fraud, it can be hard to know what steps to take and where to turn. Learning more about this form of abuse can help you be better prepared to protect yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim.

What is Elder Abuse?

The U.S. Justice Department has put together a helpful guide detailing what constitutes elder abuse, how common it is, and what to do if you or someone you know has been affected. Generally speaking, elder abuse includes any physical or emotional harm caused to someone aged 65 or older. Caregiver neglect, financial exploitation, and physical abuse are all examples of this type of abuse.

How Many Seniors are Affected by This Form of Abuse?

Unfortunately, the prevalence of elder abuse is far greater than many people realize. The Justice Department indicates that at least 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 will experience a form of abuse in a given year. As the senior population continues to grow, it is likely that the number of victims will only increase.

What to Do if You are Affected by Elder Abuse

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, it’s important to take action. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. You can also make a report to your local adult protective services agency. Help is available, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.

It’s vital that seniors and their loved ones stay informed about abuse and take the necessary steps to protect themselves. The Seniors Center Blog is dedicated to helping seniors and their families stay informed, safe, and healthy. Be sure to follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook today to keep up-to-date.

by The Seniors Center

How One Nonprofit Network is Fighting Back Against Elder Abuse

Fighting back against elder abuse: that's the mission of a new network of nonprofits in Philadelphia. Find out how they're helping seniors today.
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It’s clear there is a widespread problem of elder abuse in the United States. Seniors from all over have experienced some type of abuse, often in the form of financial exploitation. As different states look to create their own solutions to this problem, one network of nonprofits and government agencies in Philadelphia is working hard to prevent elder abuse and keep seniors safe.

According to WHYY, the Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team will consist of representatives from various agencies who will work together to investigate and prosecute cases of elder abuse. The team will also provide support to victims and their families.

One of the ways that this initiative will help seniors is by giving social workers a new avenue to report suspected cases of abuse. This is important because, often, seniors are reluctant to come forward and report abuse out of fear or shame. And social workers can be limited in what they can do to help if they don’t have concrete evidence of abuse.

Helping seniors stay safe from elder abuse is a complex issue, but this network is working hard to make sure that seniors in Philadelphia have the resources and support they need. If this initiative is successful, nationwide programs could help make a difference.

The Seniors Center is here to help retirees stay safe from scams and other forms of fraud and abuse. We invite you to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to learn more about our work to improve Social Security and the lives of hardworking seniors around the nation.

by The Seniors Center

Spotting the Signs of Elder Abuse

signs of elder abuse
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For older adults, elder abuse is a serious problem. According to the National Institute on Aging, many older adults experience abuse each year. Elder abuse can happen to anyone and can be at the hands of a family member, friend, or caregiver. Because of this, it’s important to know the signs of elder abuse and know what to do if you suspect someone you know is a victim of abuse.

What are the Warning Signs?

There are many indications of possible elder abuse. However, some of the more common ones include:

  • Unexplained bruises or injuries
  • Unusual changes in mood or behavior
  • Withdrawing from activities or social interactions
  • Sudden changes in financial status or activity
  • A caregiver who is overly controlling or demanding

If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, it’s important to reach out and offer help. You can contact a local elder abuse hotline or the police to report your concerns.

Sharing the signs of elder abuse can also help to educate others and prevent abuse from happening in the first place. Share what you’ve learned on social media or with your friends and family to help raise awareness.

The Seniors Center is here to support seniors by raising awareness of elder abuse and other forms of fraud and abuse targeting seniors.