Financial Abuse

Our State recently released some facts. Seniors account for just under 25% of the population. But elder financial abuse affects about 33%. Why the disparity? And I quote: Many elderly are lonely and happy to engage with friendly types. . . Criminals see seniors as easy marks. Also, many relatives of seniors find it easy to take advantage of their elders. Ouch.

Let's probe into this a little. Are you lonely? Really lonely? Do you have someone to talk to, to go out to dinner or walk around the block with? Does talking on the phone help your loneliness? These are questions you should answer honestly. If you are lonely, you could be a target for crooks.

Next, are you happy (eager) to talk with friendly people? Strangers? Are you single? Are you tempted to do more than just talk with strangers? Like listen to a “good deal?” If so, you might be a target for the “bad guys” out there. After all, criminals, crooks of any kind, sales people can be smooth talkers, knowing that many seniors are lonely.

It's a shame, really, that crooks often have no conscience, or it they do, it's warped. Since this so, what can we do? Yank our phone off the wall? Lock our doors and windows? Toss our cell phones into the trash. It might help somewhat to have Caller ID so you can see who is calling. If you don't know who or what, don't answer. Even a ferocious dog can't help much with telemarketers or phone crooks, can they?

I guess we all know what we can do. Be aware, and then be wary. Still, there are others willing to help. Join a club, a neighborhood group. Get involved in your church small group or seniors organization. If there isn't one, start one. Two or three is a good beginning. It can sure help loneliness.

Even the government wants to help (or at least appear that way). This same article mentioned earlier said its State has 7 bills before its legislature to help protect seniors from abuse. How many will pass and how many are really needed is anyone's guess. Before ending this discussion, don't underestimate some of your own kinfolk. There are some sad stories about abusive relatives, some who are really smooth, so beware.