Senior Fraud complaint form available on Attorney General's Office website

Attorney General Gentner Drummond | Attorney General Gentner Drummond Official website

Press Release

May 24, 2024

Suspected incidents of fraud aimed at older Oklahomans can now be easily reported to the Office of the Attorney General via an online senior fraud complaint form at oag.ok.gov.

“Older Oklahomans deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and yet far too often they are targeted by unscrupulous actors,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “These cases are particularly egregious and a form of senior abuse, plain and simple. The Consumer Protection Unit of the Attorney General’s Office thoroughly investigates such complaints and urges Oklahomans to keep a watchful eye for signs of elder exploitation.”

A multitude of confidence schemes often prey on seniors in scenarios ranging from fake lotteries to tech support scams and correspondence from individuals posing as a grandchild, a government official or an interested romantic partner.

While suspected senior fraud should be reported through the form, Oklahomans are urged to take certain precautions to guard against such scams:

- Don’t give out personal information over the phone or in response to an email or other message.

- Never click on emailed links or attachments, even if the email appears to be sent by someone you know, unless you first verify that the email was in fact sent by that person. Email messages that appear to be from known contacts can be phishing attempts to gain your personal information.

- Be wary of individuals who demand payment upfront or in a certain format (e.g. wire, Venmo/CashApp/Zelle, gift cards, cryptocurrency).

- Check incoming bills for charges that you did not authorize.

- Take your time and reject high-pressure approaches from individuals you do not know.

A report by the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center indicates that financial scams reported by individuals over age 60 reached $3.4 billion last year, a nearly 11 percent increase over 2022.

Original source can be found here.

Source:
Senior Fraud complaint form available on Attorney General's Office website

Health aide charged with elder abuse after ignoring man who fell off bed

Lydia Lungile was arrested Wednesday on reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons charges. (Norwalk Police Department)

By Muri Assunção

A woman responsible for the care of an elderly man has been arrested on abuse charges, authorities in Connecticut said Thursday.

According to police, 40-year-old Lydia Lungile, of Newark, N.J., “ignored” the man she was supposed to attend to after he fell out of his bed.

Lungile was arrested in Orange, Connecticut, on Wednesday and charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons.

The arrest followed months of investigation, Norwalk Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski  said in a news release.

In November 2023, the department’s special victims unit received a report of an alleged incident of elder abuse involving a man under the care of the Fairfield Family Care Center in Norwalk.

An elderly male had been left unattended and injured “after falling out of his bed during the overnight hours,” Podgorski said.

After interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, detectives determined Lydia Lungile, who was in charge of the man’s care, had “ignored the victim.”

As a result of the investigation, police obtained a warrant for her arrest. SVU detectives then worked with an officer assigned to the United States Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force to locate and arrest Lungile.

Her bond was set at $125,000 and she’s expected to face a judge on June 5, police said.

Fairfield Family Care has offered “comprehensive and compassionate elderly care and companion services” for families in Stamford, Conn. and surrounding areas for over 25 years, according to its website.

Lungile, who had been recently hired by the company, was “terminated directly after” the incident, a company spokesperson told the Hartford Courant.

“From what I understand she was suffering from allergies and took an allergy pill that made her drowsy and did not respond to the incident immediately,” the spokesperson said.

The company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily News.

Full Article & Source:
Health aide charged with elder abuse after ignoring man who fell off bed

Pennsylvania's New Guardianship Law: Strengthening Protections, Diminishing Elder Abuse, And Shaping The Future Of Guardianship Work

In 2008, Britney Spears was appointed two legal guardians: her father, Jamie Spears, and attorney Andre Wallet. The conservatorship was allegedly born out of Spears’ public deterioration, which included the assault of a paparazzo’s car with an umbrella, inpatient rehabilitation, psychiatric hospitalizations, and the loss of custody of her children. Thirteen years later, and following years of suspected and alleged abuse perpetrated by her father under the guise of guardianship, the viral #FreeBritney movement achieved its goal. In November of 2021, Britney Spears’ conservatorship was officially terminated.

High profile cases like Spears’ have pushed guardianship matters — and the potential for abuse of guardianship arrangements — to the forefront. States like New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and California changed their legal guardianship laws, aiming to reduce the number of people under these arrangements, while simultaneously increasing protection.

Pennsylvania, too, has a new guardianship law that fortifies protections for vulnerable individuals. On December 14, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 61 of 2023, sponsored by Senators Lisa Baker (R-20) and Art Haywood (D-4). Act 61 will become effective in June 2024. The law amends Title 20 Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, and  includes three main provisions: (1) requiring the appointment of counsel for alleged incapacitated individuals subject to a guardianship petition; (2) mandating the certification of professional guardians; and (3) requiring that petitions for guardianships show there are no alternative, less restrictive options for alleged incapacitated individuals besides guardianship. The law also includes measures to prevent long-term guardianship for individuals if their circumstances change.

Guardianship appointments are designed to serve crucial purposes, including assistance to incapacitated individuals in making financial, health, and personal decisions. A plenary guardianship enables the guardian to make all decisions for the incapacitated individual. There are currently over 19,000 active guardianships in Pennsylvania managing over $1.6 billion in assets. Most of these guardianships are plenary. However, an unsettling trend has emerged in the Commonwealth: a rise in the number of guardianships being implemented and an increase in the incidence of abuse and exploitation associated within these arrangements. This guardianship legislation aims to curb this trend.

Before Act 61 of 2023, the guardianship law in Pennsylvania provided alleged incapacitated individuals “the right ... to have counsel appointed if the court deems it appropriate,” but failed to define an appropriate case. Pennsylvania has been one of a few states that has not mandated the appointment of counsel in guardianship proceedings. Now, and regardless of the ability to pay, the court “shall appoint counsel to present the alleged incapacitated person in any matter for which counsel has not been retained by the alleged incapacitated person ....” The new law ensures that alleged incapacitated individuals have zealous advocates by their side throughout the legal process. This provision explicitly distinguishes appointed counsel from a guardian ad litem, whose role focuses on determining the best interests of the individual. Rule 1.14 of the Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct (“Client with Diminished Capacity”) reinforces this distinction, emphasizing that the attorney should maintain a “normal client-lawyer relationship” with an alleged incapacitated individual. The Act’s clarification on this point underscores the importance of providing independent legal representation to safeguard individuals’ rights and autonomy, rather than merely promoting the “best interests” of alleged incapacitated persons.

The mandatory appointment of counsel and the emphasis on less restrictive alternatives will make guardianship proceedings more complex. These measures will lead to the involvement of additional attorneys. Furthermore, guardianship matters are likely to undergo closer scrutiny by judges, potentially leading to an increased number of witnesses being called during hearings. As a result, petitioners may experience more resource-intensive and costly proceedings.

The new guardianship law in Pennsylvania marks a significant milestone in protecting the rights and interests of individuals facing guardianship petitions. The mandatory appointment of counsel ensures that alleged incapacitated individuals have dedicated legal advocates, separate from the role of a guardian ad litem. While this new provision strengthens the guardianship process to ensure that alleged incapacitated persons are protected, it also has introduced a complexity and need for experienced counsel.

Full Article & Source:
Pennsylvania's New Guardianship Law: Strengthening Protections, Diminishing Elder Abuse, And Shaping The Future Of Guardianship Work

Casey Holds Hearing on Local Impact of the Older Americans Act

May 23, 2024

Pennsylvanians testified at hearing about the importance of programs like Meals on Wheels, senior community centers, and home- and community-based services, which are funded by the Older Americans Act

At hearing, Casey committed to fighting to keep these programs authorized and fully funded

Watch full hearing video here

Washington, D.C. - Today, at a U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing, Chairman Bob Casey (D-PA) highlighted how programs funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA), such as Meals On Wheels, senior community centers, and home- and community-based services, play a critical role in keeping American seniors active, healthy, and connected to their communities. Older Americans experience disproportionate levels of loneliness, isolation, and difficulty accessing meals and health care services, and OAA-funded programs provide a lifeline for seniors struggling to meet these needs. The hearing, entitled “The Older Americans Act: The Local Impact of the Law and the Upcoming Reauthorization,” featured testimony from experts and Pennsylvanian beneficiaries about the importance of ensuring full funding for these vital programs. At the hearing, which comes as the Senate prepares to reauthorize the OAA, Chairman Casey laid out his top priorities for reauthorization, which include supporting states in long-term planning for senior services, substantially increasing funding for long-term care ombudsmen, who ensure the safety of nursing home residents, and increasing investments in nutrition programs.

“Since its passage, the Older Americans Act has served as the foundation for community social services for older adults—from funding Meals on Wheels to local senior centers to home and community-based caregiving,” said Chairman Casey. “These programs are vital for older adults across Pennsylvania and the Nation, and as we prepare to reauthorize the OAA, I am going to fight to ensure they get the full amount of funding that our seniors need and deserve. Our Nation’s older adults have fought in our wars, raised our children and grandchildren, and built our communities—they deserve our support as they age.”

Chairman Casey invited Janet Billotte, a resident of West Decatur, PA, and a recipient of home-delivered meals and other services from her county Area Agency on Aging. She testified about how the services provided to her by OAA-funded programs have improved her life, saying, “Last year, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer and I was also caring for my husband who had been sick with many issues for a long time…Many days, I didn’t feel well and it was very helpful to have these meals delivered to us…I’m very grateful to be receiving these services, and…I know many older adults who receive Meals on Wheels are thankful like I am. I also understand that there are many more older adults on the waiting list for these services. I ask you to please help more people get into the program and be able to receive these great services.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Source:
Casey Holds Hearing on Local Impact of the Older Americans Act

'Just want this to be over' | Woman fights to prevent Arlington County from acquiring family's home

Arlington County offered to buy a property in a historically Black community, but since the family refuses to accept, a resolution will trigger eminent domain.

by Matthew Torres

A Maryland woman is preparing to challenge Arlington County in court in order to prevent officials from acquiring property that has belonged to her family for decades. But county officials say they have the right to take the property in order to build safety improvements to nearby roads. 

Sandra Fortson was offered $627,000 by Arlington County to purchase land at 1802 Columbia Pike in the Arlington View community. Fortson is the guardian of the homeowner, her cousin Karen Newman, who is currently at a nursing home after she suffered a medical emergency in 2021.

In a March meeting, the county staff told supervisors that acquiring the land would make way for much-needed traffic and pedestrian safety improvements at Rolfe Street and Columbia Pike, which includes adding a traffic light and realigning the road into a four-leg intersection.

The county recommended the board adopt a resolution that would allow Fortson to accept the offer on the property. If the offer is denied, the resolution would authorize the county attorney to take the property by eminent domain.

Maxine Cholmondeley, a real estate specialist with the Arlington County government, said conversations with Fortson began in late 2022 but discussions “have not been successful.”

Fortson is refusing to sell the house, built in the 1920s, because it’s important to her to keep it within the family.  

“I’m tired and I’m frustrated, and I just want this to be over,” Fortson said. “I think it’s very important the fact that this house has been in the family somewhere between 70 and 80 years. My aunt was adamant about keeping that home in the family, and it’s also generational wealth. We know a lot of African Americans have lost generational wealth because their property has been taken away.”

Credit: WUSA9

Sandra Fortson said she spent tens of thousands of dollars to renovate her cousins' home, which was built in the 1920s.

Fortson argued staff members failed to tell supervisors that she intended to renovate the home so she could bring back her cousin from a nursing home with a caregiver. She has already spent up to $80,000 on renovations within the last few weeks.

She pushed back on Cholmondeley's statement in the board meeting when she said, “the house is currently not in habitable condition.”

“The interior, the walls are in very poor condition, there’s no working bathroom, there’s no working kitchen,” Cholmondeley told supervisors. “It’s basically a gut rehab, you’d have to take it down to the studs.”

Earlier this month, Arlington County Attorney MinChau Corr sent a Notice of Intent to File Certificate of Take, meaning they plan to transfer the lease to the county in June.

“I have dedicated myself to fighting this until it’s over,” Fortson said.

Attorney fights for alternate option

Fortson was open to discussing granting an easement on her property instead.

Original plans show acquiring a piece of the land instead of the whole property. That has since changed.

Fortson’s eminent domain attorney Michael Coughlin said if the county pursues the plan, they’ll take them to court.

“Our point is that the purpose of the Columbia Pike improvements can be fulfilled while retaining ownership of this property in the family which they’ve owned for generations,” Coughlin said. “It’s not necessary to acquire the entire property to accomplish their goals.”

The proposed project is part of one section of a larger initiative to improve roads and sidewalks along Columbia Pike in the county. Staff said if approved, the safety changes would improve access for the adjacent neighborhoods and provide safer connectivity for people walking and biking.

“If we continue to consider these options, then we will miss the window of making a design change and construction change without affecting the schedule,” Transportation Engineering and Operations Bureau Chief Hui Wong said. “The schedule delay can not only further inconvenience the Pike neighborhood and residents, but it can also raise the price because every day it passes, there’s inflation and unpredictable cost increase.”

Credit: Arlington County Board

In a statement, Chair Libby Garvey said, “Unfortunately, an easement alone is not enough to build this new intersection in a way that would provide the entire community with these increased safety benefits. Currently, no one is living in the home, and no one has lived in it for years. The county has been attempting to engage in discussions with the property owner’s conservator since January 2023 and has provided a bona fide offer to purchase the home above appraised value, based on two separate appraisals. The county has communicated a willingness to consider other appraisals to resolve any dispute as to value, but to date, it has not received a counter appraisal or any other objective basis upon which it can offer a higher price.”

Eminent domain in an historically Black neighborhood

Garvey acknowledged that juggling safety improvements means having to take a home away from a Black family in an historically Black community.

“I want to recognize the hard spot it puts us all in,” she said.

Arlington View, formerly known as Johnson’s Hill, was a community where land was purchased by former ex-slaves and other enslaved people who escaped to Virginia, according to Dr. Scott Taylor of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington.

Taylor said the community, which was once the majority Black population, has dwindled to just about 8%.

“The county needs to slow down a little bit,” Taylor told WUSA9. “We need to all sit down and talk about this because there’s always a plan B.”

For now it seems both parties are firm on their arguments, meaning for Fortson, the foundation to fight this remains steadfast. 

"This could happen to you," she said. "If you think this is just a single case cause it is not. If I can help it, I'm going to fight that history is retained."

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'Just want this to be over' | Woman fights to prevent Arlington County from acquiring family's home

WP man charged with beating elderly relative

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON

A West Plains man with a decades-long criminal history has been charged after allegedly striking an elderly family member with a baseball bat and preventing in-home healthcare workers from visiting the man's home.

Timmy L. Frazier, 43, is charged with first-degree domestic assault resulting in serious physical injury, a Class A felony, and the unclassified felony of armed criminal action. Court records show the charges were filed May 1 by Howell County Assistant Prosecutor Rizwan Ahad, and a warrant with a $50,000 cash or corporate surety bond issued the day prior was served May 7.

Frazier, who remains in custody, pleaded not guilty during arraignment held May 10 in the courtroom of Associate 37th Circuit Judge R. David Ray and is next set to appear in court on Friday for a preliminary hearing with Public Defender Jack Paisley as his representation, the records show.

According to documents filed with the court, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Investigator Richard Rhoads said an investigation into Frazier began after three hotline calls were placed regarding the victim's well-being between March 20 and April 10, alleging physical abuse, financial exploitation and medical neglect.

Frazier was reportedly living with the victim at the time of the incidents, who has since been placed in a nursing home out of concern for lack of proper care.

On April 4, Rhoads stated, he assisted an adult protective services specialist with a visit to the victim's home and Frazier reportedly admitted he prevented in-home healthcare workers from visiting and had written a check on the victim's account to pay for having the victim's vehicle towed.

During the investigation, the reportedly victim said Frazier was not given permission to write checks on his account or drive his vehicle. On April 10, Rhoads spoke with another family member of the victim who said he had bruises "all over" from Frazier striking him with a baseball bat, his head had been shaved, and Frazier had written several checks on his account.

A week later, Rhoads interviewed the victim at the nursing home and was advised by him that Frazier and some of his friends had shaved his head against his will while laughing and "going on" the whole time, and he wanted to fight back but knew he couldn't because of his age and physical condition.

He was reportedly reluctant to talk about how he came to be bruised but stated Frazier had put the bruises on him while he was mad at him, the investigator said.

Medical records reviewed as part of the investigation showed the victim had told staff at a local clinic Frazier caused the bruising by striking him with a bat, and that, for about a month, he hadn't taken medications he’d been prescribed for the prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and heart damage because they were withheld by Frazier.

The victim had open heart surgery about 20 years ago and his health showed an overall decline, memory problems and periods of confusion, Rhoads noted in his report.

The investigator further stated he learned through interviews and financial records Frazier had written checks, used the victim's charge card to make purchases, and taken coins, with a combined value of about $99, adding future charge card statements were expected to show other unauthorized purchases by Frazier.

FRAZIER’S BACKGROUND

In 2000, Frazier pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree assault and a count of possession of a controlled substance in two separate cases, the imposition of his sentence was suspended, and he was handed a three-year sentence in 2003 with both cases to run concurrently.

In 2006, he was handed a two-year suspended sentence and required to participate in a drug treatment program on an unlawful use of drug paraphernalia conviction. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge and paid a $400 fine and in 2010 entered an Alford plea to a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. An Alford plea allows a defendant to avoid admitting guilt while conceding the prosecution has enough evidence to convict.

In 2011, Frazier was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and sentenced to five years in prison. In 2013, he was convicted of third-degree assault and resisting arrest in separate cases, both misdemeanors, and sentenced to 183 days in jail for each, to run concurrently with the 2011 sentence. In 2015, he was convicted of felony resisting arrest while creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death, with a suspended imposition of sentence that was later upgraded to a three-year suspended sentence that was not executed because he successfully completed probation.

In 2017, he was again handed a suspended sentence, five years, after pleading guilty to the felony of stealing a vehicle, but again avoided prison after completing a five-year probation. In 2020, he entered Alford pleas to two charges of second-degree burglary in separate cases and was first handed a suspended sentence on one case that was changed to three years on both after a 2021 conviction of possession of methamphetamine precursors. The sentences for all three cases were to run concurrently.

Last year, he pleaded guilty to a 2021 misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Full Article & Source:
WP man charged with beating elderly relative

Healthcare aide accused of stealing credit card from elderly patient at Telford assisted living facility facing new charges

by Tony Di Domizio

A healthcare aide working for Lutheran Community at Telford in Telford Borough who was arraigned in January on felony charges related to the alleged use of a stolen elderly patient’s credit card for personal purchases is now facing even more felony charges with police identifying two more victims.

Crystal Brito, 29, of Macungie, was charged in April by Telford Borough Police with felony financial exploitation, 17 felony counts of access device fraud, seven misdemeanor charges of access device fraud, and a misdemeanor charge each of receiving stolen property and possession of a counterfeit access device, per court documents.

Then, Brito was charged separately for a third time last month, with police adding 71 counts of felony access device fraud, a felony charge of financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person, and misdemeanor charges of theft, receiving stolen property, and possession of a counterfeit access device, per court documents.

In January, Brito was charged with 37 felony counts of access device fraud, as well as misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking, financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person, receiving stolen property, and related offenses.  

Brito is free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

On Dec. 21, 2023, police responded to the community for a second report of a stolen debit card, where a friend of a dementia patient told police of the unauthorized use of the patient’s card, police said.

Police said the illegal activity began Dec. 9, 2023 and continued through Dec. 14, in which $248.19 was spent across seven transactions, and a total of $4,023.49 in 17 declined charges from unsuccessful online purchases.

According to court documents, the card was eventually closed on Dec. 20, 2023, and most of the transactions occurred in Macungie and Allentown.

Two of the seven transactions, police said, occurred at the Wawa in Hilltown and the Starbucks inside Giant Market in Hilltown, and surveillance video shows Brito using the card at both locations.

In the third case, police said they were informed of a third victim in January, and officers spoke to Univest Bank and Trust officials, who told police there were multiple unauthorized transactions on a 90-year-old customers account, originating in Allentown.

All in all, police said there were 71 transactions totaling $4,676.11, and they found Brito on surveillance at the Giant Market in Trexlertown using the stolen card.

Police said they learned of the first theft in November, after the daughter of a care-dependent woman reported that her mother’s debit card had been stolen and 37 unauthorized transactions had been made between Nov. 7, 2023 and Nov. 20, 2023, totaling $1,254.72. Investigators were provided with a list of 12 visiting aides that had assisted the woman in the days leading up to the alleged theft, and police said the majority of unauthorized purchases were made in the greater Allentown area.

By comparing the locations of the purchases to the home addresses of the aides, investigators said the unauthorized purchases essentially painted a path from Lutheran Community at Telford and the home of Brito in Macungie. Additionally, police said Brito was the only aide residing in the area where the majority of purchases were made, with five of the purchases being made within one mile of Brito’s home.

Further investigation revealed surveillance footage of Brito using the stolen card to purchase groceries, lottery tickets, and gasoline, the report states. She also signed her own name on several receipts and used the card to make online purchases through Walmart, which were shipped to her home, police said.

A representative from Grace Inspired Living, which includes the Lutheran Community at Telford, said in February that Brito was not an employee and was instead an aide sent from another agency to fill in at the Telford facility. The representative added they are cooperating with police as the investigation continues.

Court records show Brito’s next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on June 11 at 2 p.m. in front of Magisterial District Judge Regina Armitage.

All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.

Full Article & Source:
Healthcare aide accused of stealing credit card from elderly patient at Telford assisted living facility facing new charges

$27B Reported in Elder Financial Exploitation

From Washington Gorge Action Programs:

By Tammy Kaufman

Bingen/Goldendale, Washington (May 22, 2024) - The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently released an analysis based on Bank Secrecy Act reports that indicate in a one-year period, from 2022 to 2023, financial institutions reported roughly $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder financial exploitation. The April 18, 2024 article from the American Bankers Association (ABA) Banking Journal noted that 80% of all suspicious activity reported by banks involved elder scams.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized annually worldwide on June 15, bringing attention to issues affecting this vulnerable population. Financial exploitation is one of many concerns surrounding elder abuse. Other common types include physical abuse, neglect, and abandonment. 

Over the past few years, financial exploitation has drawn a lot of attention as scammers target the senior population with telephone and computer scams that include using fear strategies, investment promises, IRS cons, and many other tactics. The day of awareness is an important reminder of the crucial role families and communities play in helping safeguard elders against physical, emotional, and financial abuse. 

Elder financial exploitation is illegal and considered to be the unauthorized or improper use of an older person’s funds, property, or assets. This common crime deprives many seniors of their lifelong hard-earned assets. Perpetrators are not only strangers but also can be family members, friends, neighbors, or caregivers.

The National Institute on Aging’s webpage has a current list of common scams that are targeting the elderly population, including:

•  Government impersonator scams, such as someone posing as a Medicare representative asking for account information

•  Fake prizes, sweepstakes, and lottery scams, in which you are asked to pay money or provide account information to claim winnings

•  Computer tech support scams, in which a scammer tells you that your computer has a problem and wants you to pay for support services to fix it

•  The grandparent scam, in which a caller pretends to be a grandchild or other relative in distress.

It is important to watch for red flags in order to prevent a loved one from being burdened by financial exploitation. The American Bankers Association webpage shares the following as tips to help prevent financial exploitation:

•  Shred receipts, bank statements, and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.

•  Lock up your checkbook, account statements, and other sensitive information when others will be in your home.

•  Regularly review your credit report. Never give personal information, including Social Security Number, account number, or other financial information, to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call and trust the other party.

•  Never pay a fee or taxes to collect sweepstakes or lottery “winnings.”

•  Never rush into a financial decision. Ask for details in writing and get a second opinion.

•  Consult with a financial advisor or attorney before signing any document you don’t understand.

•  Get to know your banker and build a relationship with the people who handle your finances. They can look out for any suspicious activity related to your account.

•  Check references and credentials before hiring anyone. Don’t allow workers to have access to information about your finances.

•  Pay with credit cards instead of cash to keep a paper trail.

•  You have the right not to be threatened or intimidated. If you think someone close to you is trying to take control of your finances, call your local Adult Protective Services and tell someone at your bank.

•  Trust your instincts. Exploiters are often very skilled. They can be charming and forceful in their efforts to convince you to give up control of your finances. Don’t be fooled—if something doesn’t feel right, it may not be right. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you or someone you know is suffering from any form of Elder abuse, don’t hesitate to make a report to the Washington State Adult Protective Services intake line at 1-877-734-6277 or call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–372–8311. 

To contact a local advocate, please reach out to Programs for Peaceful Living at 509-493-2662 or go to http://wagap.org to learn more about assistance available throughout Klickitat County to support seniors and vulnerable populations.

More details on the FinCEN analysis can be found at https://www.fincen.gov/news/news- releases/fincen-issues-analysis-elder-financial-exploitation.

Full Article & Source:
$27B Reported in Elder Financial Exploitation

Bainbridge woman charged with Exploitation and Intimidation of Disabled Adults; what GBI says happened

This case is active and ongoing.

 

By: Channing Frampton

• A Bainbridge woman is charged with ten counts of Financial Transaction Fraud and two counts of Exploitation and Intimidation of Disabled Adults.
• Bainbridge Public Safety requested the GBI to assist with an investigation concerning multiple complaints
• Read the GBI news release below to learn what happened.

GBI NEWS RELEASE:

On March 21, 2024, Bainbridge Public Safety requested the GBI to assist with an investigation concerning multiple complaints received at “Johnson’s Personal Care Home” and “Johnson’s Private Care Home” located at 1007 and 1009 Hall Street in Bainbridge, Georgia.

During the investigation, it was determined that LaShanda Johnson of a Monroe Street, Bainbridge, Georgia address was associated with the homes. Agents and Bainbridge Public Safety Investigators interviewed current and past residents and other witnesses in this case as well as collected documents and other evidence of the alleged crimes.

The investigation has revealed and alleges that Johnson was using the finances of some of the residents staying in her homes on Hall Street illegally. Johnson (46 years old) has been charged with ten counts of Financial Transaction Fraud and two counts of Exploitation and Intimidation of Disabled Adults. She was in the Decatur County Jail on unrelated charges when she was served with and booked on these warrants.

This case is active and ongoing and anyone with information on this case is asked to call the GBI Thomasville Office at 229-225-4090 or Bainbridge Public Safety at 229-248-2038. Once complete, this case file will be turned over to the South Georgia Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

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Bainbridge woman charged with Exploitation and Intimidation of Disabled Adults; what GBI says happened