August 31, 2011
There are a number of steps elderly Floridians and those who care about them can take to avoid becoming victims of abuse, scams, identity theft and financial exploitation, according to information from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
Two recent local cases of alleged physical abuse involving an 87-year-old woman and a physically and mentally disabled man at a 24-hour care facility are stark reminders that seniors are vulnerable to harm.
When it comes to identity theft, Elder Affairs officials say seniors should never:
•Carry a Social Security card or multiple credit cards.
•Give personal information over the telephone.
•Print identification numbers on checks.
•Answer unsolicited emails that ask for your personal information.
Seniors should always:
•Remove mail promptly from mailboxes and promptly review statements and bills.
•Shred or cut up personal mail.
•Stop mail before going on vacation.
•Make a copy of all the items in your wallet and keep them with personal papers in a safe place.
•Shop online only with merchants with secure websites. Typically, a lock symbol in the bottom-right corner of a web browser will signal that a site is secure.
•Print checks with initials only and no street address and pick them up at the bank, if possible.
Seniors who are victims of financial crime should report it "to local law enforcement and request a copy of the case report," the Elder Affairs website states.
Contact credit card companies and place fraud alerts on all accounts by calling Equifax at (800) 525-6285 ; Experian at (888)397-3742 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (888)397-3742 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ; and TransUnion at (800) 680-7729 .
Victims also should report such crimes to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-877-438-4338 end_of_the_skype_highlighting and "immediately contact your bank and close affected accounts." In addition, keep a detailed account of parties you have contacted and save all correspondence.
* * * * *
To avoid being financially exploited, the elderly should have check payments made through direct deposit and never "sign blank checks allowing another person to fill in the amount," the website recommends.
Don't leave money or valuables, and never sign anything you don't understand.
Protect you money by working with your bank to "control who has access to your funds."
Seniors should be aware of possible scams, especially offers from telemarketers.
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," Elder Affairs officials say. "Be cautious and do not let any caller intimidate you. Don't be afraid to hang up."
Never give anyone your ATM access code, and cancel your ATM card immediately if it is stolen.
Check bank statements to ensure there have been no unauthorized withdrawals, and be cautious regarding joint accounts, given that both parties are equal owners of such accounts.
In addition, build good relationships with financial professionals "who handle your money."
* * * * *
Seniors should take care when it comes to transactions involving home repair, officials say.
Always compare estimates carefully and remember the lowest bid or price is not always the best deal.
"Never agree to get your own permits; this will make you directly responsible for everything," officials warn.
Don't let anyone pressure you into making hasty decisions and don't accept an offer "to take you to the bank to withdraw money for any reason."
"Never fall for phone or door-to-door offers of free estimates, home inspections or 'special deals' of any kind" and "never pay cash," officials add.
In addition, don't pay for unfinished work "or jobs that have not been inspected."
* * * * *
"No one has the right to hit you, to treat you like a child or to humiliate you," the Elder Affairs website states.
Abuse of the elderly and disabled is a rare but persistent problem in Highlands County, says Laurie Murphy, the resource development director at NU-HOPE Elder Care Services Inc., a Sebring nonprofit that advocates for those 60 and older in Highlands and Hardee counties.
But "any occurrence is too much, and … we need to be aware of it," Murphy said.
Physical signs of abuse can include cuts, puncture wounds, burns, bruises, welts, dehydration or malnutrition, poor coloration, soiled clothing or bedclothes, or the lack of food, water, utilities and other necessities.
Abused seniors also may display behavioral signs of abuse like fear, anxiety, agitation, anger, isolation, withdrawal, depression, non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence, contradictory statements and implausible stories.
Seniors also might hesitate to talk openly about being abused and be confused or disoriented.
Those who suspect any kind of abuse should call the 24-hour Elder Affairs elder abuse hotline at (800) 962-2873 and report their suspicions.
