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Financial Abuse of Elderly Subject of Radio Series
June 2, 2005 - National Public Radio (NPR) recently
featured a two- part
series on financial abuse of the elderly. Such financial abuse involves
the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property or assets. It
can include cashing an elderly person's checks without their permission;
forging their signature; stealing or misusing their money or
possessions; or abusing a power of attorney.
There are up to 5 million instances of financial
abuse of the elderly each year, according to NPR, but many incidents go
unreported because the perpetrator is usually a trusted relative or
friend whom elders are reluctant to turn over to the authorities.
NPR's first report focuses on the case of a
mentally impaired senior who lost nearly $700,000 to his closest friend.
In gaining a conviction against the man, prosecutors charged the abuser
with using undue influence, a concept that has been used in civil cases
like disputes over wills, but not in criminal cases before now. The
case, which is on appeal, is being closely followed in legal circles.
Part two looks at the challenges authorities face
in rooting out elder abuse, including the case of a 91-year-old woman
who is unlikely to press charges against her 52-year-old son, despite
indications of exploitation.
To listen to the NPR reports and read a list of
signs of elder financial abuse, go to:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4667720
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