1. Elder Fraud Kaitlyn Flanagan

2. What Is Fraud? Fraud : A false representation of a matter of fact—whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of what should have been disclosed—that deceives and is intended to deceive another so that the individual will act upon it to her or his legal injury. Elder Fraud : Fraudulent telemarketers rob people every day, using phones as their weapons. target seniors because they are generally too polite to hang up Fraudulent telemarketers are hardened criminals that want to target people to get their savings. They're so good at what they do, they can even persuade people to mortgage their homes to participate in their phony sweepstakes, investment offers, and other schemes. Sometimes they use scare tactics to sell products or services. And in other ways, they impersonate well- known companies or charities to trick seniors.

3. Current Scams The grandparent scheme- grandparents answer the phone and the caller pretends to be a family member in need of money and the grandparents mail it to them Social security scam - identity thieves stealing personal information and contacting the Social Security Administration to change the payment routing information to the thieves' own bank accounts or prepaid debit cards. The fake lottery/sweepstakes -his mail scam comes in two flavors: The "pay to play" scheme or the "you've won - here's your check" scam. The first tactic attracts seniors to buy inexpensive magazine subscriptions in order to enter the contest. In the second case, the elderly person receives an authentic-looking check, with notification he or she has already won the foreign country lottery.

4. Tips for avoiding Make sure when receiving a phone call the person who answers the phone calls the family member they received the call from in order to make sure it was them If something seems sketchy don’t believe it If it’s a number you don’t know then don’t answer

5. Statistics a 2009 study by the MetLife Mature Market Institute estimates that seniors lose approximately $2.6 billion per year as a result of financial abuse - fraud, as well as theft by family members and acquaintances.

6. Frequently asked questions Questions I suspect my elderly parents are being financially abused. What should I do? What is a "sweetheart scam?" What is Adult Protective Services? Answers If you feel they are in danger then call 911. If not, then begin compiling as much information about the situation as possible. Get identifying information on the suspect and try to gather evidence of the financial abuse. a young stranger ingratiating himself or herself to an elderly person, winning the affections of that person or otherwise obtaining psychological control over them, and then taking over the older person's estate or financial affairs Adult Protective Services is responsible for investigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities.

7. Citations http://fraud.org/learn/older-adult-fraud http://legal- dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/fraud http://legal- dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/fraud http://money.msn.com/retirement/6-scams- aimed-at-the-elderly http://money.msn.com/retirement/6-scams- aimed-at-the-elderly http://www.elderangels.com/frequently- asked-questions.html http://www.elderangels.com/frequently- asked-questions.html