Exploiting their elders: Crimes against aging parents rise as economy falters
BY KYM KLASS
NOVEMBER 1, 2009
Officials say the downturn in the economy has led to far greater exploitation of the elderly as younger family members prey upon older relatives.
More and more, adult children are moving in with aging parents because of the tough economic times and then victimizing them. What can start as using some of their parents' money for gas can escalate into totally wiping out their parents' assets, according to area officials.
What Is Adult Exploitation?
The simple definition of adult exploitation is the improper use of an elderly person's funds, property or assets. This includes cashing a check without permission, forging a signature, or misusing or stealing an elderly person's money or possessions.
How The Elderly Are Tricked
Some say it is not that hard to trick some elderly people because they are trusting and grew up in a time when they kept their doors unlocked. They gave money to their neighbors, friends, even strangers, without question.
Education
The AARP provides information on consumer fraud, identity protection and on Thursday will offer everyone a chance to shred personal documents.
"The biggest issues for fraud these days are affinity fraud, and that is fraud that is perpetrated by people you know -- family, friends, church people," Carter said. Abridged
SOURCE: The Montgomery Advertiser
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