The crime of financial abuse is a growing concern for older
adults. Incidents of financial elder abuse are on the rise. The
internet and electronic banking have made it easier than ever for thieves to
steal the assets and livelihood of people who live on fixed incomes and who no
longer have the earning power they once did. Financial elder abuse can be
as serious, and as life-threatening, as actual physical abuse to seniors whose
health and emotional welfare is dependent on their financial resources.
Most of the time, the abuser has committed crimes punishable under Virginia law.
Unfortunately, financial elder abuse is underreported.
Because the abusers often are family members, caregivers, or trusted friends,
the victim's loyalty to, dependency upon, or fear of, the abusers keeps the
victims from reporting the abuse. In other instances, seniors may simply
be confused or misinformed by telemarketers or other con artists who promise big
returns or prizes through a variety of scams. Arlington County seniors
recently have been regular targets of home improvement, tree-trimming, and
extermination scams perpetrated by networks of criminals. In many cases,
the financial abuse is not discovered until a caring relative or friend notices
that the older adult's financial resources either are diminishing quickly or are
gone.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is the victim of
financial elder abuse, contact the police department and file a
police report.
.htm_txt_skyline_cmp.gif)
