Crimes against the elderly
Crimes against the elderly
Introduction
The elderly are a target for financial crimes. Here’s what you need to know about protecting yourself from these crimes.
Elder abuse
Elderly people are vulnerable to abuse. They may have been victims of violence, or they may have experienced neglectful caregiving. Elder abuse can occur as part of a broader pattern of mistreatment in which the elderly person’s physical or mental health is neglected and/or there is financial exploitation.
Elderly people are often targeted because they do not have family members or friends who will help them if something goes wrong; elderly people also tend not to report crimes against them because they don’t want others to know about their situation (which would make them more vulnerable).
Some cases involve fraudsters taking advantage of an older person’s belief that they are too old/stupid/slow-witted to catch on—and then using those traits against them by telling lies about how much money someone else has hidden away somewhere! In some cases, this tactic works; but if enough evidence exists showing otherwise (e g: bank statements showing regular withdrawals), many criminals will stop abusing old folks once their con’s been exposed.”
Wrongful death
Wrongful death is the death of another person as a result of someone else’s negligence. This can include any number of circumstances, such as an accident or medical malpractice. If you’re in this situation and have been harmed by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to sue for damages.
It is important to note that there are some instances where it may not be possible for you to bring a wrongful death suit against your doctor or hospital—for example, if they were acting within legal limits when performing their duties at the time of your injury (such as operating on your heart). In these cases, depending on how much time has passed since the incident occurred (and what sort of evidence exists), it may make sense for them instead just paying out compensation from insurance instead from their own pocketbook (which could save them money too).
Medicaid fraud
Medicaid fraud is a crime. If you suspect someone has committed fraud, report it to the Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-638-9858 or online at www.Medicaidfraud.org/report.
You may also report suspected fraud by calling your state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). The MFCU can be reached at 1-888-356-6568 or online at www.mfcuwebpage.com/contactus/.
If you are found guilty of Medicaid fraud, penalties include fines up to $250,000; restitution; probation; prison time up to five years; loss of eligibility for future benefits; forfeiture of property involved in committing the crime including houses if they were purchased with fraudulent funds
Pension scams
Pension scams are a growing problem. Elderly people are often targeted by scammers who will use a variety of tactics to get your money.
Here are some tips for staying safe:
Ask questions and get the facts about pensions, investments and other financial services before making any decisions about how to manage your money.
Don’t share personal information with anyone who contacts you unsolicited; if someone calls or emails claiming to be from the government, ask them for proof that they’re legitimate (for example, if it’s an official-looking letter) before paying anything out of your bank account or handing over cash at home. If possible, record all conversations with potential scammers using recording devices like smartphones or tablets so that there’s evidence if something goes wrong later on down the line!
Protect yourself from financial crimes.
You are the most important person in your life. If you are a victim of financial crimes, know that you can do something about it!
You have rights as an individual and as a member of society; these include the right to be treated with dignity and respect, which includes being able to live without fear or intimidation. Know your rights so that if someone attempts to take advantage of them, they won’t succeed—you’ll know exactly what steps to take if something happens!
Conclusion
For anyone over the age of 55, there is a good chance that they have been a victim of crime. In fact, the elderly are at least twice as likely to be victims of crime than the general population. As we saw in this article, it can be difficult for people who live alone or with only one other person to detect crimes against them because they may not notice certain signs (like small changes in their personal care routine). However, if you think something might be wrong with your loved one—or if they are missing money or jewelry—call local law enforcement immediately so an investigation can begin!