Financial Exploitation of Seniors

An estimated 500,000 seniors in the U.S. need assistance with their financial affairs. Financial exploitation of seniors is the most common form of elder abuse.

There can be a fine line between exploitation and criminal behavior. People who financially exploit seniors most often have unmet financial needs, are desperate or greedy and have the opportunity to exploit, defraud, con or scam. And, that opportunity is a vulnerable senior.

Until recently, there has been little attention paid to the devastating effect that these financial losses can have on seniors. There is growing recognition that both public awareness and professional education are the key to prevention.

Financial Exploitation of Seniors
This self-paced, interactive lesson uses graphics and animation to provide information about financial exploitation of seniors and the resources that are available to assist victims when it occurs.
(Test Your Computer's Compatibility)

For those who prefer to read off-line and for those who use screen readers download a transcript of this lesson Senior-Cents.rtf.

For a copy of the slides download Storyboard-Senior Cents.pdf (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Maine Bureau of Elder and Adult Services
The Bureau is responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of incapacitated and dependent adults and for protecting incapacitated and dependent adults in danger or at substantial risk of danger.

Maine Legal Services for the Elderly
Provides free, high quality legal assistance to socially and economically needy Maine residents age 60 and older.

Maine's Attorney General Office
The Office of the Attorney General is committed to the protection of Maine's elderly citizens.

Triad
A Triad is a three-way commitment among the chiefs of police in a county, the sheriff and older or retired leaders. They agree to work together to reduce the criminal victimization of the elderly and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to older persons. There are a number of Triads throughout the state of Maine. The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office currently has two TRIAD Programs in Kennebec County.

AARP
A nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and over. They provide information and resources; advocate on legislative, consumer, and legal issues; assist members to serve their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. www.aarp.org

Postal Inspection Service
This agency has the primary responsibility of enforcing roughly 200 federal statutes designed to protect the postal communications system of our nation, and preserve the public's trust and confidence in the U.S. Mail.

Federal Trade Commission
The FTC enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. The Commission also works to enhance the smooth operation of the marketplace by eliminating acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive.