On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., The American Elder Abuse Conference 2022 (AEAC) was presented for seniors to learn more about financial fraud where the elderly population is often the target. Read on to learn more about what you may have missed. For more information on elder abuse or if you suspect one of your loved ones is a victim, contact us at The Law Offices of David H. Brinton, LLC for a free no-obligation consultation.
Topics of Discussion at the Elder Abuse Conference 2022
Ralph and Maria Onela of the American Elder Abuse Conference detailed very specific information for seniors regarding scams, fraud, and other unlawful and deceitful financial activities designed specifically to rob this demographic of their hard-earned money that was accumulated throughout their life.
Paul Greenwood is of particular importance as a notable speaker that spoke during two sessions an hour each in length. Mr. Greenwood was a supervising deputy district attorney of the Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office.
As discussed, there are many ways that seniors can become victims of scams that steal their money and the funds they have built up over their life. Some of these include:
1. Outright Theft of Assets
If a criminal gets ahold of an elderly person’s credit cards, checks, bank account information, or other private financial access, they can cash fraudulent checks, make large purchases, or drain accounts.
2. Taking Over Of Wealth
If a criminal can work their way into an elderly person’s estate plan, they can take what would otherwise be meant for actual, legitimate beneficiaries. A criminal can also gather data on an elderly person and steal their identity. They would then have access to control property, inheritance, and other financial interests.
3. Intimidation and Pressure
If a criminal can threaten and coerce an elderly person into becoming involved with intricate and complicated business and other financial transactions, they can swindle them out of their savings.
Financial elder abuse takes place when one party that is not entitled to take money and wealth from an elderly person does so anyway without their knowledge, without their permission, or by confusing them.
Why Are the Elderly Vulnerable to Financial Abuse?
Everyone ages differently and how sharp and keen a person is in their older years varies from person to person. Typically though, as we age, everything ages, including both the mind and body. When combining this with ever-evolving and highly complicated schemes and technologies, it becomes much harder to identify deception and treachery when it exists.
1. Disease Conditions & Vulnerability
The mental capacity of an individual in their older years can become diminished, but disease conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease can make this natural process more pronounced. Hearing loss or vision problems may also make it more difficult to discern legitimate and beneficial actions from fraudulent ones.
2. A Lifetime of Wealth
Unlike those in their prime years when wealth accumulation is happening, the elderly have lived their life building up their estate and their assets. When a larger potential pot of money and wealth exists with a person who may not be as cunning and astute as they once were and who could potentially be an easier target, this is attractive to criminals.
3. Toxic Family
Simply because someone is a family member does not mean that they can be trusted to care about another family member’s best interests. As a result, a family member may hone in on an older person and use their empathy to get money for various expenses. A caring and loving elderly family member could have a hard time turning down a loved one “in need.”
4. Caretaker Fraud
Talking to an elderly person into fake and sham business dealings or having a working relationship with an elderly person and stealing from them without their knowledge are examples of fraud. The elderly tend to have a higher need for in-home care or for residence in assisted living facilities where they rely on the help and care of others.
What An Elder Abuse Attorney Can Do For You
In some situations, victims of elder abuse can respond with legal remedies to collect compensation for the damages that were suffered. When you work with an attorney at The Law Offices of David H. Brinton, LLC you have the benefit of a seasoned and experienced legal professional that knows the laws and how to protect your rights. Your attorney will do many things to help you after fraud, abuse, and neglect take place including:
- Evaluate your case to discuss what method and approach to financial recovery make the most sense.
- Collect evidence that clearly shows that improprieties happened.
- Handle communications and negotiations for a settlement with the insurance company.
- Gather all necessary documentation and submit it to the insurance company.
- File a lawsuit for court if the insurance company is unwilling to be cooperative and fairly compensate you for your losses.
Get the Help You Need Today
We hope you found this review of the Elder Abuse Conference 2022 helpful. Remember, if you suspect that your elderly loved one was the victim of financial abuse or other types of harm and neglect in their nursing home or by a caregiver, you may have legal options to take action.
The Law Offices of David H. Brinton, LLC can review your situation and discuss what you may be able to do to recover compensation for your loved one’s losses. Or if you believe that you have been victimized by financial elder abuse, our team is here for you. For a free no-obligation consultation, contact us today.