Unscrupulous people may prey on the elderly
By DAVE McMILLION
MARCH 21, 2009
WASHINGTON COUNTY — It was his neighbors who went to bat for an elderly Boonsboro man, contacting authorities to report that he had no food or heat in his house and was living in less than sanitary conditions.
When authorities investigated, they learned the man’s estate had been drained of investment accounts worth more than $300,000 and he did not receive $325,000 in proceeds from the sale of his antique car collection, Washington County District Court records allege.
A Hagerstown man and woman to whom the victim had given power of attorney were charged with obtaining property of a vulnerable adult. Their cases are pending.
The predicament of this man, whose name is not being published to protect his privacy, is not an isolated one. Those who work with such cases involving senior citizens say they are concerned about unscrupulous people who offer a range of services to seniors, especially those with financial assets.
Getting help
There are a number of agencies available to help senior citizens who are being financially exploited.
Help also is available for other vulnerable people, such as those with handicaps, said John Kenney, program manager of adult services for the Washington County Department of Social Services.
Someone suspecting financial or physical exploitation or abuse of an elderly person can call an intake number at the Department of Social Services at 240-420-2155, Kenney said.
When the call involves an emergency situation, a social worker on call is available to respond, Kenney said.
Those needing emergency help on a holiday or a weekend can call 240-420-2222, Kenney said.
The Department of Social Services will respond to nonemergency situations within five days, Kenney said.
No comments:
Post a Comment