Preventing Financial Exploitation Presentation at ACC

Financial exploitation is a fast–growing form of abuse of older individuals and adults with disabilities.

In order to help raise awareness about this issue Alpena Community College Foundation Gift Planning Alliance Committee is holding a presentation on preventing financial exploitation of older individuals.

Elder abuse is an epidemic, a really big problem, that is under reported.

But on November 5th starting at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. presenters will be at ACC in the Granum Theatre, talking about specific cases of elder abuse they've dealt with in Alpena, to help raise awareness of this issue and give ways to prevent it in the future.

Some presenters include Michigan State Police Trooper Ashley Simpson, Assistant Prosecutor Russell Rhynard, Lynne Budnik with Adult Protective Services and Financial Advisor Julie Ferguson.

Anyone can be the victim of financial exploitation and it's pervasive in every community and all economic levels.

Elder Law Attorney Kerry Rastigue said, "There's a large older adult population here. Rural communities, there's some advanced risk for rural communities because older adults do tend to be more isolated, their children tend to move away and to be here by themselves. Neighbors are not necessarily right close by, so things can be going on and you don't even know it."

If you're interested in attending this presentation to learn strategies on minimizing the chance of this happening to you, you can call 989–358–7359 to reserve a free seat.

(This is to advise what type of programs are being utilized.)

Full Article & Source:
Preventing Financial Exploitation Presentation at ACC

Event Trains Seniors to Avoid Financial Exploitation

The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office will host the “Safe Bank Project” for seniors beginning at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at the AMVETS Post #256, 818 Tarlton Rd.

The program provides free training for financial institutions and the senior community to learn to recognize some of the common signs of financial exploitation of seniors, explanations of the law and voluntary reporting requirements, identity theft, mail fraud and how to make a report to the proper authorities.

Angela An of WBNS-10TV will serve as master of ceremonies for the event that will feature presentations by Sheriff Robert Radcliff; Judy Wolford, Pickaway County Prosecutor; David Kessler, Fairfield County investigator; Ken Mammoser, FBI; Marianne Hemmeter, deputy director of the Economic Crime Unit of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office; and Philip Gentile, Postal inspector.

To register for the free event, which includes a continental breakfast supplied by the Pickaway Senior Center and the SALT Council, contact the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office at 477-6000 or email mtootle@pickawaysheriff.com. Registration is requested by Sept. 28.

Source:
Event Trains Seniors to Avoid Financial Exploitation

Groups team up to fight crimes against elderly, disabled

Columbus police, advocates for people with disabilities and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers teamed up yesterday to announce an initiative to fight crime against two vulnerable groups.

Detective Gerald Milner said at a news conference that he investigated too many crimes against the elderly and people with disabilities when he worked in the Police Division’s forgery and fraud unit.

“It still bothers me,” he said. “Crimes against the elderly and handicapped are very special to me.”
Criminals take aim at those groups at substantially higher rates than the rest of the population, according to U.S. Department of Justice statistics. Local statistics were not available.

Age and physical challenges can cause people to be perceived as easy marks, particularly when it comes to financial fraud. Fears of coming forward often keep the crimes hidden.

Full Article & Source:
Groups team up to fight crimes against elderly, disabled

Blind NJ Woman Left in Limbo by Cracks in Social Services

Leila Laufer is a legally blind but otherwise healthy 77-year-old who has just learned she falls between the cracks of different government programs that offer help to the disabled and the elderly.

She was recently declared too old to remain in a government program for working-age people with disabilities, but she isn’t needy enough or frail enough to qualify for many state and county programs that help pay for home aides for the elderly .

So at the moment, she is without the twice-a-week aide who used to help with essential tasks such as grocery shopping, cleaning her home in Fair Lawn or even reading the official letters denying her services. And she doesn’t know how she’ll fare without that help.

“They describe this as if I have maxed out on the services, like I’m a credit card instead of a human being,” Laufer said. “I am afraid of what’s going to happen.”

Advocates say her situation isn’t uncommon among the elderly and visually impaired when they become too old for one government system and may or may not be eligible for another — which doesn’t always meet their needs.

“The big push is to have our seniors live at home as long as possible, but then we don’t always give them the support they need to do so,” said Joseph Ruffalo, president of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.

Full Article and Source:
Blind Fair Lawn Senior Left in Limbo by Cracks in Social Services

Michigan Scheduling Statewide Elder Abuse Summit in June

FLINT, MI -- Genesee County will host a statewide summit exploring elder abuse -- a problem that officials say is only expected to get worse.

Catherine A. Emerson, from the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, said Genesee County was selected to host the summit in part because of the success of an elder abuse task force headed by Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell.

Pickell said his program, which is funded through a county millage, has obtained more than 400 felony warrants, including about two dozen so far this year.

The sheriff added that his elder abuse program has the time and manpower to handle incidents that local police agencies may not have the time or specialized skills needed to properly investigate.

Emerson said the issue of elder abuse is a growing problem, particularly as a large number of Baby Boomers age.

"There's a perfect storm out there," said Emerson, noting the aging population and continued financial hardships felt by many in the state.

Full Article and Source:
Genesee County to Host Statewide Elder Abuse Summit in June

Attorney Leads Effort to Educate Minnesota About Elder Abuse

A once-small group that Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo started to confront elder abuse is about to unleash an arsenal of resources to help educate Minnesotans about the problem.

With nearly $50,000 in donations, Minnesota SAFE Elders has created a tool kit that includes a video and training materials that it will provide free to interested groups; it is expected out next month.

The group also developed an app for first responders to guide them through such cases and a community resource list they can immediately offer to victims.Another piece of the initiative is a “prosecutor’s trial notebook,” a collection of abuse cases that attorneys can use as a reference when developing their own cases.

A statewide help number and website also will be available.Minnesota SAFE Elders, which grew out of the group that first met in 2011, now includes county attorneys and others from across the state.

The SAFE stands for Stop Abuse and Financial Exploitation.While the topic of crimes and neglect against seniors has been examined by various groups over the years, Palumbo is excited because this program can systemically reach a statewide audience with practical information that will increase awareness while putting more perpetrators in jail.

Full Article and Source:
Anoka County Attorney Leads Effort to Educate Minnesota About Elder Abuse

Florida Launching Project S.A.F.E.

In honor of Older Americans Month in May, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is launching Operation S.A.F.E., a new initiative to “Stop Adult Financial Exploitation” and turn the tables on fraud artists who target Florida’s seniors. CFO Atwater is seeking to combat statistics that estimate at least one in five seniors has been a victim of financial fraud.

Initial workshops will be held this month in Cape Coral, Venice, Delray Beach, Clearwater, the Villages and Miami, with other locations to be scheduled throughout the year. “Our seniors contribute greatly to Florida’s economy and as a result many have built a nest egg that makes them targets for fraud,” CFO Atwater said. “It is my mission to ensure that they can better enjoy their retirement knowing they are armed with information to safeguard their finances.”

The workshops, titled Be Scam Smart, are part of CFO Atwater’s On Guard for Seniors initiative that he launched last year to educate seniors on specific financial products such as annuities, identity theft, reverse mortgages and long-term care insurance. Operation S.A.F.E. will focus on frauds and scams, such as fake lotteries and repair scams, and how these scams work on the psyche to convince seniors to take a chance on something that is too good to be true.

The Operation S.A.F.E. workshops are being provided by the Department of Financial Services, which CFO Atwater oversees, and will be presented by representatives from the Department’s Division of Consumer Services, Division of Agent and Agency Services and Division of Insurance Fraud; U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s office; the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; the Lee County Sheriff’s Office; the Miami-Dade Police Department; the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Source:
CFO Jeff Atwater Launches Operation S.A.F.E. to Stop Adult Financial Exploitation

Florida: Operation S.A.F.E. (Stop Adult Financial Exploitation)

On Friday May 10, 2013, the Department of Financial Services, overseen by Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater will present OPERATION S.A.F.E. (Stop Adult Financial Exploitation) at the South County Civic Center, Jog Rd., Delray Beach beginning at 1:00 pm. CFO Atwater's office is partnering with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office to present this program and to ensure that our Palm Beach County residents get the latest on local frauds and scams and who to call and what to do if they are a victim.

Details on numerous scams and frauds including identity theft, insurance and health care fraud, reverse mortgage scams, investment scams, contractor fraud and lottery and sweepstakes scams will be presented and you will learn how NOT to become a victim and how to protect your information and yourself. Representatives from the Department of Financial Services and PBSO will be there to answer your questions and assist you with any problems. Also at the event will be representatives from AARP, Elder Affairs, Consumer Affairs and other senior advocacy groups and agencies.

Current statistics show that one in five seniors has been a victim of financial fraud yet only one in 44 will report it.

Source:
Operation S.A.F.E. (Stop Adult Financial Exploitation) to be Presented

New Jersey: Volunteers Needed for Guardianship Monitoring Program in Hunterdon

Surrogate Susan J. Hoffman, announces that Hunterdon County is the first county to participate in the New Jersey Judiciary Statewide Guardianship Monitoring Program. The Guardianship Monitoring Program utilizes volunteers to review annual guardianship reports filed by guardians on behalf of their wards.

There is currently a need for volunteer researchers in Hunterdon. Researchers examine documents contained in guardianship files and enter information about the guardianships into a statewide database.

Volunteers will receive detailed training from the judiciary on how to read and analyze the guardians' annual reports and how to gather data for the statewide database. Volunteer monitors will flag inconsistent or incomplete financial information, which will be reported to volunteer coordinators for further action.

The submission and review of the annual reports is essential to ensure that the susceptible adult population -- the elderly and disabled -- are being treated with dignity and are free from exploitation. Guardians may benefit by referral to sources of help and information that they may not be aware of.
Hunterdon County has had a similar program in place since 1996.

Information about the program and how to volunteer can be obtained on the judiciary's website, njcourts.com, by calling toll-free 855-406-1262, or by emailing njguardianship.mailbox@judiciary.state.nj.us.

Source:
Volunteers Needed for Guardianship Monitoring Program in Hunterdon

AG's task force on elder abuse catalogs successes of past 2 years

PHOENIX - The Attorney General's office is touting the success its task force has had fighting elder abuse since its inception two years ago.

With this being Consumer Protection Week, Tom Horne is announcing the impact of the Taskforce Against Senior Abuse (TASA).

TASA has received more than 2,300 calls to report potential abuse, neglect or fraud.

Some of the results include:

-102 victims receiving restitution in a consumer fraud action against American Residential Services. 89% of the victims were senior citizens.

-5 telemarketing cases were filed and/or settled - cases in which seniors were persuaded to buy business opportunities, and one telemarketing case where seniors were solicited to buy an identity theft program.

Full Article & Source:
AG's task force on elder abuse catalogs successes of past 2 years

Current Women’s Equality Issues Public Policy Conference

CANHR's Executive Director Patricia McGinnis will be a speaker at the Current Women’s Equality Issues Public Policy Conference on Saturday February 9, 2013 at the Ontario Airport Hotel in Ontario, CA.

For More Information

Nebraska Supreme Court Appoints Permanent Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships, co-chaired by Douglas County Court Judge Susan Bazis and Nebraska Court of Appeals Judge Francie Riedmann

Friday, December 21, 2012

 

The aging of the baby boomer generation is expected to cause a dramatic growth in guardianships and conservatorships in Nebraska over the next two decades. In response to the challenges this increase will cause in the legal community, Chief Justice Mike Heavican and the Nebraska Supreme Court today appointed a Guardian/Conservator Commission to ensure both the personal and financial safety of vulnerable adults under guardianships and conservatorships throughout the state.

The Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships will be co-chaired by Douglas County Court Judge Susan Bazis and Nebraska Court of Appeals Judge Francie Riedmann. Commission members are listed below.

In response to an unfortunate incident in which a Omaha conservator committed fraud against several wards and other abuses noted across the state, Chief Heavican formed a Task Force on Adult Guardianships and Conservatorships as a temporary measure in 2010. The Task Force identified shortcomings in guardianship/conservatorship oversight practices. The Legislature and the Supreme Court stepped up to improve accountability through laws and enforcement procedures which increased protection of the person and assets of court-supervised adults. The Guardianship Reform Act of 2011 was sponsored by Senator Colby Coash and unanimously passed to become effective January 1, 2012. The Supreme Court adopted new rules to increase accountability for those legally entrusted to provide for the financial and personal well-being of Nebraska wards and protected persons.

The Task Force was discharged after making its report and recommendations. The newly-formed, Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships will be more long-term, and will have increased participation by judges, clerk magistrates, and members of the Nebraska State Bar Association’s probate section, the State’s Unit on Aging, regional and state elder-care entities, statewide developmental disability serving entities, law enforcement, the banking community, and guardians and conservators.

The Commission’s purpose is to engage in continuing analysis and study of statutes, court rules, and court procedures relating to guardianships and conservatorships; to examine the challenges these laws and procedures pose for court staff, the judiciary, the practicing bar, vulnerable adults and children and their legal guardians and conservators, and other professionals and service providers working with protected persons and wards; to propose solutions or improvements both within and without the judicial branch in response to such challenges; and to support the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission which the Nebraska Supreme Court approves.

Chief Justice Heavican, in his 2012 State of the Judiciary address, noted that “None of us is naïve enough to believe that elderly persons will no longer be subject to abuse. But the statutory changes made by the Legislature, which are being implemented by the judicial branch, will provide for better checks and balances." He added, "The Nebraska Supreme Court will continue to make every effort to ensure that these legislatively mandated changes to guardianships and conservatorships will be effectively administered.”

Full Article & Source:
Supreme Court Appoints Permanent Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships, co-chaired by Douglas County Court Judge Susan Bazis and Nebraska Court of Appeals Judge Francie Riedmann
 

New Guardian Oversight Program in Lubbock, TX

A program launched in May to oversee guardianships in Lubbock County has closed more than 50 cases because either the guardian or the ward has died, County Judge Tom Head said.

Head held a brief news conference during an Adult Protective Services conference in Lubbock on fraud and exploitation of the elderly.

Guardians are appointed in situations where someone is considered legally incompetent to make decisions or sign contracts — a situation that can arise because of mental infirmities such as dementia.

The guardianship oversight program is part of the county’s Office of Dispute Resolution, and has a goal of making contact at least once a year with each legal guardianship, using court investigator and court visitor services.

The county launched the program May 1, and, according to a news release, has conducted 80 investigations into guardianship applications and modifications, and reviewed more than 140 old cases.

So far, there have also been eight court-initiated guardianship applications, and five cases referred to either law enforcement, Adult Protective Services or the state Department of Age and Disability Services for investigation.

Full Article and Source:
New County Guardian Oversight Program Poring Over Old Cases

New National "Hotline" Set Up for Fraud

A new national hotline for seniors and adult children of the elderly [starts today} November 10th to deal with one of America's biggest fraud problems: the estimated one out of every five citizens over the age of 65 who have been victimized by a financial swindle. Of particular concern are seniors with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who can perform most daily functions, but have trouble or become confused when it comes to managing their finances.

The toll-free hotlines will address questions and offer free advice in the following key areas:

General Finance Questions 888-227-1776. Callers are encouraged to dial into this number to speak with an expert from the Financial Planning Association about their family financial security.

Medical Questions 888-303-0430. Callers to this number can get advice from health care professionals about medical issues such as mild cognitive impairment that can impact an older person's ability to make wise and safe financial decisions and can increase their vulnerability to elder financial abuse and exploitation.

Financial Abuse Questions 888-303-3297. Callers to this number will speak with an adult protective services (APS) professional about elder financial abuse and strategies for keeping themselves or older loved ones independent.

Full Press Release and Source;
Stopping Elderly Fraud Cold: States, Doctors, Financial Planners, Others to Launch National Hotline November 10th to Fight Swindlers Targeting Older Americans

Arizona Forms 'Taskforce Against Senior Abuse' (TASA)

Seniors and the elderly are easy targets for predators.

This vulnerable demographic is being described as one of America's biggest fraud problems. An estimated one out of every five citizens over the age of 65 have been victimized by a financial swindle.

To protect Arizona's senior citizens, Attorney General Tom Horne formed the Taskforce Against Senior Abuse (TASA) earlier this year as an integral part of the Public Advocacy Division of his office.

In a statement, Horne said he is committed to making elder abuse awareness, prevention and prosecution a priority.

"Our seniors need to feel safe and secure in their homes. The Attorney General's Office is aware of the vulnerability of these citizens and is working to make sure older Arizonans are not victimized."

To reach TASA, the dedicated phone number is (602) 542-2124. Citizens may also email TASA at SeniorAbuse@azag.gov

Full Article and Source:
Ariz. Taking Steps to Halt Financial Abuse of Seniors

Responsibility for a Deceased Relative's Debts

The loss of a loved one is tough to begin with, but if the loved one left debts behind, it can be even tougher. Family members generally should not have to pay for a decedent's debts, but it is important to know your rights because collection agencies may target the decedent's relatives.

Usually the loved one's estate is responsible for paying any debts. If the estate does not have enough money, the debts will go unpaid. The debt collectors may not collect payment from relatives (unless they were co-signers or guarantors). However, if you are the spouse of the decedent, you may have responsibility for any debts that were jointly held. Depending on state law, some assets -- such as a house or car -- may be exempt from debt collection. You should talk to an attorney to determine your responsibility, if any.

If a debt collector contacts you, give the collector the contact information for the personal representative (also called the "executor") who is handling the estate. It is the personal representative's responsibility to make sure all bills are paid. Whatever you do, do not give any personal information to debt collectors. Scam artists sometimes pose as debt collectors to prey on relatives.

If a debt collector won't stop contacting you, send a certified letter to the collector saying you do not want to be contacted again. Once the collector receives the letter, the collector can contact you only to tell you that there will be no further contact or to inform you of a lawsuit. Report any problems with debt collectors to your state's attorney general or to the Federal Trade Commission.

Source:
Responsibility for Deceased Relative's Debts

Iowa Task Force Forms to Fight Elder Abuse

A new task force has collected representatives from the top Bonner County elderly and specialized care, medical and law enforcement institutions to crack down on abuse against the vulnerable.

The Bonner County Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse Multi-Disciplinary Team, pulled together by Mary Jacobsen and Tamina Boonisar of Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho, held their first meeting as an official organization Thursday afternoon.

A group that includes representatives from local police and sheriff’s offices, the county prosecutor’s office, Bonner County EMS, Bonner County General Hospital, Bonner County Region 1 Mental Health, AAging Better In-Home Care, Panhandle Special Needs, The Bridge Assisted Living, Panhandle State Bank and Transitions in Progress, the task force aims to create a cooperative network to aid the county’s elderly.

“Our dream is that the various community agencies can muster together and make a difference in people’s lives,” Jacobsen said.

According to Jacobsen and Boonisar, elder abuse is on the rise nationally, but 85 percent of cases go unreported. That’s because the majority of abuse happens at the hands of close family, who often exploit their aging relative for financial gain. Since reporting that exploitation would effectively end their relationship with the family member, many seniors stay silent.

Full Article and Source:
Group Forms to Tackle Elder Abuse

Press Release: Washington DC Protest 5/9/11

Press Release – May 4, 2011
Contact: Gloria 773/910-3310
info@helpbringgaryhome.com

Call to Action! CONSTITUTIONAL 9-11 PROTEST MARCH
WHEN: MAY 9, 2011
WHERE: Washington DC

America’s New Terrorist—Probate Courts, Guardianships and Conservators!

As Mickey Rooney, a victim himself, has become the voice of America’s elders—his words now memorialized on the House Committee on Aging—his cries reiterate and corroborate those of hundreds of thousands of America’s Elder Citizens, who are forced to suffer in silence to the abuses and exploitation imposed upon them by greedy family members, guardians and conservators, who, with the help of the judiciary, are free to rob our most vulnerable citizen’s of their assets, freedom and self-determination.

Mr. Rooney was lucky—his celebrity status brought Elder Abuse and Financial exploitation to the forefront of our attention. However, the voices of the men and women ‘objecting’ to forced Guardian and Conservatorships of their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, and adult children, in an attempt to protect their loved ones Civil and Human Rights, have become the COLLATERAL VICTIMS and the new faces to Elder and Guardianship abuse. We are the men and women who ‘object’ to the churning of our loved ones estates, the forced isolation and involuntary drugging, the court sanctioned Elder abuses, including the loathing and disregard for of our Constitutional and Human Rights.

On Monday, May 9, 2011 many “collateral victims” will take to the streets marching side by side to show unity in their individual plights to save the lives of the people they love and demand equal protection under law and restoration of their Constitutional rights in Washington DC in order to bring attention to our Lawmakers the ever increasing Abuse and Exploitation of our elderly as well as the most vulnerable in our society: it’s the first of many reality checks that our Judicial System is broken, in some instances blatantly corrupt! This disruption of family life, the ending of the American Dream, and the seizing of our Golden Years and our hard-earned savings is what we define as Constitutional Terrorism against the very people the Judicial and Officers of the Courts took an oath to Serve and Protect.

Mr. Rooney cried, “I felt trapped, scared, used and frustrated. Above all, I felt helpless. *** My money was taken and misused. I was told it was for my own good and that it was none of my business.” Mr. Rooney’s final words were for the public audience, “Don’t let it happen to you”. This is what the “collateral victims” are going to represent on this day to MARCH against America’s New Terrorist—Probate Courts, Guardianships and Conservators.

Texas Public Hearing on Jurisprudence Tomorrow

COMMITTEE: Jurisprudence

TIME & DATE: 1:00 PM, Thursday, June 24, 2010

PLACE: E1.016 (Hearing Room)

CHAIR: Senator Jeff Wentworth

The Senate Jurisprudence Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the following interim committee charge:

Charge 2) Study the guardianship program implemented by the Department of Aging and Disabilities and the Department of Adult Protective Services, including the efficiency and effectiveness of the program, the relationship between the two agencies, the appropriate rights for parents, and whether clients and their assets are adequately protected.

Source:
Senate Special Hearing

Medical Whistleblower to Present at US Social Forum 2010

Medical Whistleblower is proud to be a presenter to the US Social Forum 2010.

Come see us on June 24 and 25 at 10 AM-Noon

Cobo Hall - Detroit, MI

If you can't join us in person - please join us by radio talk show.

My Blog Talk Radio show can be heard three different ways:

1) Call in by any phone - here in the USA or abroad

2) Streaming audio from the website
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/medicalwhistleblower

3) Download archive mp3 file from the website after the broadcast.

US Social Forum - Medical Whistleblower Advocacy Network

Date / Time: 6/23/2010, 9:00 PM -10 PM and also 6/24/10, at 9 PM -10PM

Call-in Number: (347) 857-4599

Source: Medical Whistleblower