Advocates for the elderly report seeing more cases of financial exploitation of senior citizens as the recession wears on.
That abuse can range from taking advantage of an aging relative to fraud.
Beverly Newman of Indianapolis said her 89-year-old father recently moved to Florida under pressure from his younger girlfriend. Newman said the girlfriend has hired caregivers who are taking advantage of her dad.
"He is under the influence of people who are dangerous," Newman said.
The family is working with Manatee County authorities to protect the man, who family members says is heavily medicated.
"Many different people are involved, and it's just a really, really difficult situation to get him safe," Newman said.
Newman's case isn't isolated, according to Patrick Hanna, regional director for Seniors vs. Crime, a nonprofit reporting agency established by the Florida attorney general's office to assist seniors dealing with fraud and exploitation.
Hanna said older Americans tend to have steady incomes and trusting hearts, making them vulnerable.
And victims are often afraid to report the abuse, he said.
"They're afraid because if they complain their sons or daughters will say, 'Hey, Dad or Mom, she's losing her mind. We're going to put her in a nursing home,'" Hanna said.
If you know a senior who you think is being taken advantage of, call the Department of Children & Family's hot line at 1-866-762-2237. You can also report financial fraud to the Seniors vs. Crime hot line at 1-800-203-3099.
•Unusual bank activity, including withdrawals at ATMs the senior doesn't live near.
•Signatures on checks and documents that do not match the senior's signature.
•Unexplained changes in spending patterns or unusual purchases.
•Sudden change in who has power of attorney.
Warning signs of exploitation
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