The Institute for SocioEconomic Studies is a private operating foundation that examines issues relating to economic development, poverty, health care reform and the quality of life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elder Fraud Alert!

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – An urgent alert has been issued to consumers on the alarming potential for elder fraud and abuse and how to prevent these crimes.

"The recent arrest on Long Island of a health aide accused of stealing the identities of her elderly patients to apply for credit cards for her own use is a valuable lesson for all," says Thomas M. Cassidy, the author of Elder Care/What To Look For/What to Look Out For! (New Horizon Press, 1999) and a senior fellow at the Institute for SocioEconomic Studies. "This fraud was uncovered by observant postal workers; other elderly victims are not always so fortunate. Many older Americans, especially those, who are frail or sick, are at great risk for fraud. An unscrupulous thief needs only one chance to steal from a trusting client."

As a health fraud investigator for the New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for almost 20 years, Mr. Cassidy observed that elder crimes are often preventable. The following steps, combined with frequent unannounced visits by family and friends, can help to protect elders from fraud and abuse.

  • Remove temptation by first taking an inventory, then safeguarding valuables.
  • All cash, jewelry, financial records, checkbooks, and credit cards should be placed in a protected location such as a safe or safe deposit box.
  • Social Security, pension and investment checks should be direct-deposited to prevent theft and forgery.
  • Remind elders to monitor their mail and make certain they receive all routine monthly financial statements listing recent transactions. These documents should be carefully checked for unusual or unauthorized activity.

The best way for all of us to make the most of our older years is to take control before we become frail or sick. It is of utmost importance to learn as much as possible about safety and security, while time is still on our side!

 

 For more information, Tom Cassidy is available at the Institute for SocioEconomic Studies. Telephone: (914) 686-7112 ext. 218, e-mail cassidy@socioeconomic.org