| Be alert to scams targeting the
elderly |
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There's also a hidden, secret factor to these crimes.
No one likes to admit to foolish behavior. Since victims of con
games often don't come forward, law enforcement and families can
be at a disadvantage. These cases can be tough to investigate months
after the con takes place and, even in successful prosecutions,
the assets are usually gone. In some cases, so are lives.
Take it to the bank
Jennifer Kent and others in her profession are sometimes among the
first to suspect elder fraud. As fraud and security manager of ViewPoint
Bank in Plano, Texas, Kent says financial institutions routinely
train tellers to watch for signs
that something's not right.
"If we notice someone is accompanying a senior
and it seems strange -- maybe another person who's not on the account
is talking for them -- we'll ask to speak to the member by himself,"
Kent says.
Separating the senior from the source of the swindle
can be key in getting the truth. Remember -- the victim might be
too intimidated or brainwashed to say "no" to the con.
There's also the possibility that medical factors
are at work: Your loved one may be suffering from undiagnosed dementia,
impairing his judgment and making him easy prey for the unscrupulous.
For that reason, Kent says it's important to stay connected to the
seniors in your life.
"Talk to them about what's going on," Kent
says. "Ask if they're having any construction work done on
the house, talk to them about their finances, if possible, and about
unsolicited phone calls if they mention they think they've won something."
Checking out the caregiver
A primary source of senior fraud comes in the form of caregivers.
Often the situation starts out legitimate but soon wobbles out of
control: There are changes in real property holdings, life insurance
policy beneficiaries, a new power of attorney or milked bank accounts.
Speyer says, "Sometimes it's as simple as a caregiver
withholding food or medicine so the (elderly) person can't function
well, or threatening harm if the elderly person tells anyone what
is going on."
Hiring a caregiver or other employee is an important
decision. Like all prospective employers, you should conduct a thorough
background check before hiring. Insist on calling former employers
and landlords or hire an online company that does background checks
for a small fee.
Steer clear of candidates with histories of
financial problems. They may be as honest as George Washington,
but it could also indicate a gambling, alcohol or drug problem.
Someone already on the edge may be more tempted to take advantage.
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