Elder fraud and senior scams are a billion-dollar industry.
Criminals target older adults through technology, impersonating government officials, investment schemes and using scare tactics to trick seniors out for their money. The scammers are relentless, and their coordinated attacks are designed to take advantage of the most vulnerable.
San Diego County has a home-grown weapon against senior fraud, and it already has saved many would-be victims from losing thousands of dollars and the resulting consequences.
The San Diego Elder Justice Task Force (EJTF) combines the efforts of the County’s Aging and Independence Services, the District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, local law enforcement, and the Law Enforcement Coordination Center to focus solely on the financial exploitation of older adults.
The task force investigates cases, prosecutes criminals, and seizes and recovers lost funds whenever possible. In San Diego County, the EJTF sees over 1,000 reported victims of senior fraud annually with over $100 million in reported losses. The Task Force also is convinced the true numbers are much higher because elder fraud is chronically underreported due to shame and embarrassment.
The impact on the victims is cruel and catastrophic. In some cases, older adults are robbed of their entire life’s savings, left financially devastated and live shortened lives. Mortality rates are three times higher for seniors who have been victimized by fraud or abuse.
For San Diego resident, Chris, that reality came dangerously close.
Share this Don’t Get Hooked Toolkit with family and friends. Call the Adult Protective Services Hotline 800-339-4661 to report elder or dependent adult abuse.
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