In the past six months, the Friends In Service Here or F.I.S.H. organization has noticed an increase in its clients being approached in person or online by solicitors asking for money. This prompted the setting up of a recent workshop to help seniors learn practical ways in which they can guard against this growing problem crimes against the elderly.More than 30 interested islanders gathered at the Sanibel Senior Center 4 Life last week to hear Detective Joe Roubicek, who has investigated more than 1,000 exploitation of the elderly crimes over the past 25 years. He spent 20 years as a detective with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
"I am honored to be on Sanibel talking about preventing crimes against the elderly," Roubicek said.
In a lively debate, Roubicek answered questions from the audience and addressed concerns Sanibel residents had, particularly relating to online banking requests for money and other forms of phishing scams.
"There are two types of crimes," explained Roubicek. "There is fraud and exploitation."
The definition of fraud, according to the law, is deception. Of all the fraud crimes, phishing is the most common with Americans of all ages using the Internet to bank, pay bills and shop.
The second type of crime against the elderly, and one Roubicek has worked to improve laws against, is exploitation. This crime differs from fraud because it involves a person 60 years or older who has been taken advantage of due to a physical or emotional dysfunction.
In 1994, Roubicek testified before the Florida House and Senate to improve laws designed to protect the elderly and he contributed to the writing of Florida Statute 825.103: Exploitation of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult.
"It's a great law because it brings the charges up to felonies, much like grand theft," explained Roubicek, who was joined by Lt. Michael Cooper at the workshop.
Full Article and Source:
Experts Speak at FISH Crime Prevention Workshop for the Elderly
See Also:
FinancialAbuseOfTheElderly
6 comments:
Way to go, Joe!
I've read Financial Abuse of the Elderly and it's very informative.
Good job!
Same here StandUp.
I have Joe's book right here in my foxhole. I couldn't put it down til I read the last page.
Joe is an expert in this field, not only by his experience and bio but he is the real deal, a true advocate a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Reading Joe's book, I found I learned a lot about the author, how he conducted his investigations with empathy for the victim and patience, yes much patience and time are needed for a thorough investigation.
Thank you Joe! for your dedication, for your hard work and efforts educating others.
Good job, Mr. Roubicek!
Hey Sylvia, Thelma, StandUp, and you Anonymous, thank you very much for your comments. I really enjoyed speaking in Sanibel and it was more of a workshop that all benefited from. I was able to say to the seniors, "Now you tell me what you want to discuss" and the forum began! Thanks again. Joe
Congratulations!
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