Thursday, June 9, 2011

Financial Abuse of the Elderly: A Detective's Case Files of Exploitation Crimes

I've recently finished reading this excellent book describing how the elderly become victims of financial abuse. The author, Joe Roubicek, was a detective in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for many years, and he investigated over 1000 cases of exploitation of the elderly during that period on the police force. The book describes some of the cases he investigated and discusses the shortcomings of state laws protecting the elderly from financial abuse.

Roubicek clarifies the differences between exploitation of the elderly and fraud. Exploitation occurs when someone takes advantage of a disabled elderly person to deprive that person of his or her assets. For example, an in-home caregiver might take advantage of her employer's memory deficits to ask for grocery money five times in a single day. Fraud occurs when a "false and deceptive statement of fact induces the victim to give up a valuable item that he or she owns." Fraud laws are written under the assumption that the victim has the mental capacity to weigh information and make decisions. For example, if a roofing contractor takes a deposit for work on a house with quality materials and workmanship and returns to do the job with defective materials, then fraud may have occurred.

Unfortunately, financial elder abuse often occurs in the gray area between the fraud and the exploitation statutes.

Full Article and Source:
Elder Champions

See Also:
FinancialAbuseOfTheElderly

10 comments:

Thelma said...

It's great to know that there are honest people out there willing to fight the system which seems to have gone haywire.

StandUp said...

This is a great book to read and just have for reference.

Anonymous said...

I saw on facebook that Mr. Roubicek will be speaking at a conference in August.

Norma said...

I have the utmost respect for Mr. Roubicek and this book. Thank you.

Steve said...

This is a subject that has grown legs this year, thankfully. Mickey Rooney put a face on it. NASGA puts an enormous effort into publicizing it. And this book is a must read!

NASGA said...

Anonomyous, you are correct. Here's the URL about the August speaking engagement:

http://www.coloradohighschoolmocktrial.net/cle/item.cfm?EventID=EL082512L

honeybear said...

Thank you for reminding me of this book. I have also read it and absolutely endorse it!

Sue said...

The author Joe Roubicek is a true advocate, sacrificing his personal time to educate and inform the citizens and those in powerful positions.

People don't believe this can happen to them or their loved ones. Joe's efforts will have them believing the cold hard facts how fast a person can become a victim.

Thank you Joe, you are an A+ person.

Barbara said...

When are you going to write another, Mr. Roubicek?

Joecitizen said...

Thanks for the comments you guys, but I believe that most of you have made great contributions to the cause, and many of you have contributed far more than I.
I am confident that things will continue to get better... more protection and recognition for the elderly with less indifference, apathy, corruption, ... you know.
As for another book, I don't know but believe me I will be letting you know first.
Thanks again for the comments!
Joe