On Thursday August 19, 2010, I attended the City of Long Beach Elderly Abuse Prevention meeting.

Every facet of crime prevention, and law enforcement from Santa Monica to Long Beach, California was represented. The main speaker at the meeting was Debbie Deem Victim Specialist Federal Bureau Of Investigation Los Angeles California. The Topic of her presentation was Assisting Elderly Victims of Mass Marketing Crimes.

Agent Deem spoke on the topic of Mass Marketing Fraud, which he defined as fraud schemes that use mass messaging services to contact and solicit in order to obtain money, property or other items of value, including personal identifying information, from multiple victims in one or more than one jurisdiction. Agent Deem pointed out that mass marketing could be connected to cyber fraud, mortgage fraud and mortgage relief scams.

Even though the presentation was slated for those of us who are concerned about elder abuse, it was quite clear that every person living on planet Earth could fall prey to these and other scams. So much as changed in our world over the past decade. Dishonest people have more means available to hunt those who are trusting and believe in the goodness of mankind. It becomes the responsibility of all of us to educate, warn, and speak out about these crimes.

There is No Free Lunch

This phrase should ring loudly in your thoughts every time someone makes you an offer that appears too good to be true. Regardless of whether you are elderly or not, you must become vigilant in your decision making processes. The internet and the telephone can both be used as a great instrument and resource to help us, but it can also be used by those who seek to defraud or steal from you. Who can you trust in this present environment?

There are several government web sites that can help to answer many of your questions. Your banking institution may also be a good resource for financial information. Your City Hall my also be a place you may want to contact for information. Most hospital does have a senior program where the elderly can obtain information. Senior centers can also be a source of help and information for the elderly. For those who are not elderly, and does have access to computers, researching your subject matter on the computer system could be a way of getting your information.

Last but not least always trust your gut feelings. A person who intends to steal from you may come across as the sweetest person you ever met or as someone who is demanding and intimidating. They may identify themselves as a representative for an organization or a person with whom you have a relationship. They may even use your religious belief and affiliation to get what they want from you. It was truly amazing when one of the case studies that were discussed at the meeting involved a church that was claiming ownership on the home of a deceased person, and the eviction of her relatives from the home.

Remember your identity is worth millions to thieves who specialize in scamming others out of their money, homes, and livelihood. Discard mails and solicitation material that you did not request or has knowledge of the sender. Watch out for phony cashiers checks, credit cards, and gift certificates which can be made to look like the real thing. Do not deposit any checks into your bank account that you receive form any source that you do not recognize. Thinking that it is your lucky day to receive a payment check from someone you do not know, could turn out to be your most unlucky day when your bank account is scammed and compromised.

Of course, if you've been the victim of a scam, there's no shame on you. Financial abuse, especially of our elderly Americans is at an all time high. Recently an elderly woman was scammed out of $50,000. Because of the shame she felt at being taken, she committed suicide rather than telling her family of her loss. Financial abuse does not only takes one’s ability to be financially independent it often also takes lives.

Unfortunately when times are hard, not everyone takes the road of honesty and decency. Strangers, friends and even family members may be tempted by scams, which makes caution the watchword. Remember, too, that reporting a crime is the only way that law enforcement can do their job.

Everyone deserves to live with dignity and freedom. It's time to stop the cycle of abuse. Report abuse when you see it. If there's doubt, let your local law enforcement officer investigate. 

STOP ELDER ABUSE NOW.

I would like to say thank you to MemorialCare Home Caregivers for its support in helping to stop elder abuse.