Study Shows Financial Exploitation of Oregon's Elderly Climbs 18%

Nearly half of the people who exploit the finances of elderly Oregonians are members of their own families, according to a new study.

Financial exploitation allegations in Oregon increased by 18 percent between 2012 and 2013, based on the study of 623 reports on the suspected crimes. That was just a sampling of 2,929 reports documenting nearly 4,000 abuse allegations.

"Family relationships accounted for 46 percent of all substantiated perpetrators of financial exploitation," according to a news release heralding a comprehensive study by the state Office of Adult Abuse Prevention and Investigations. "Beyond family members, the second most common type of alleged perpetrator was acquaintances, followed closely by non-relative caregivers."

The subject of elder financial exploitation recently struck a chord in Oregon. Steve Duin,  The Oregonian's metro columnist,  wrote about financial shenanigans  that caused an elderly Portland couple – Elmo and Meliitta Marquette – to be paid $22,000 for a piece of property worth 10 times that much.

The study revealed that bank employees and family members of victims were the most likely to report financial exploitation.

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Financial Exploitation of Oregon's Elderly Climbs 18%, Study Shows

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Two Acres, Two Neighboring Couples, and a $200,000 Misunderstanding