Seniors At Risk of Exploitation, AG Says (WA. USA)

Island seniors at risk of exploitation, AG says

By ATTORNEY GENERAL ROB MCKENNA
Mercer Island Reporter Contributor
Jun 09 2009

If you regularly peruse the Mercer Island Reporter’s police report, you have probably noticed the trend of fraud targeting seniors. Some of the crimes are new. For example, the “Grandma Scam,” in which a young‑sounding person — often overseas and always posing as a grandchild — makes a breathless phone call pleading for an urgent wire transfer to pay a medical bail or to post a jail bond.

This is a growing problem, especially for Islanders. The United States is in the midst of a huge demographic shift with a third of our population reaching retirement age in the next few years. 

During the recently concluded legislative session, my office proposed new protections for vulnerable adults. We called for training to improve the ability of bank and credit union employees to identify and report financial exploitation, and to grant them permission to “freeze” an account if potentially criminal activity is suspected. We advocated for tools to better allow the public to access information about potential caretakers, along with stronger punishments for those who abuse or exploit seniors. Unfortunately, legislators chose not to enact these protections, even though our bill had strong bipartisan support.

We’ll be back next session to push for these protections for our most vulnerable citizens. Meanwhile, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself or your loved ones. If you suspect abuse, you can call DSHS Adult Protective Services at 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276). You may also call local law enforcement. If the vulnerable adult has been financially exploited, it may be advisable to meet with an elder law attorney to discuss protective measures ensuring that the exploitation does not occur again in the future. These measures can include a durable power of attorney or full guardianship through the court system.

As we approach National Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday, June 15, let’s pledge ourselves to do more to protect those who cared for us when we were young — our parents and our grandparents. They’ve earned it.

To find out more about protecting vulnerable adults, visit the Attorney General’s Web site at www.atg.wa.gov.

SOURCE:   MI REPORTER

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