Senior Abuse… Rising in Epic Proportions

Senior Abuse is Rising in Epic Proportions

(FinancialHealth.net) – Concerned about being financially abused as a senior? You’re not alone. The fact is that financial senior abuse is on the rise and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Even the trend towards digital cash over cash-in-hand hasn’t stemmed the flow; in some ways, it’s actually caused it to become worse.

Seniors don’t have to worry about just their checkbook now, they must also be concerned about their debit card, credit card, online payment wallet, and online bank account, too. Understanding exactly why and how financial abuse happens can empower you to prevent it in the future.

1 in 5 Elders are Abused Financially

Nearly a fifth of all elders in America report being abused at one point or another. It’s a staggeringly high number that includes both financial fraud like telephone scams and direct financial abuse by family members.

9 in 10 People Who Abuse Elders Financially are Family

The picture can become even bleaker when you consider that the majority of financially abused elders is done by family members, not strangers. In difficult economic times, loved ones — especially children — can slip from asking for money to get by into full-on desperation that leads to lying, theft, and manipulation to get what they need.

Make no mistake; even just repeatedly pushing an elder to give you money is abusive, especially if the abuser is trying to guilt them into helping in the first place. Some will even threaten their senior family members with expulsion from the home or a lack of assistance with basic daily chores in order to manipulate them into giving money.

Financial Abuse Costs American Seniors Billions Each year

According to an infographic by USN, financial abuse strips seniors of approximately $36.5 billion dollars per year in lost funds. That includes both scams and extortion from caretakers or loved ones. Despite how widespread the abuse is, only one person for every 44 abused ever reports the abuse, with most simply sweeping it under the rug because they feel they have little to no recourse. Nothing could be further from the truth!

What to Do If You Believe You’re Being Abused Financially

If you think someone may be abusing you financially (or physically), the first and most important step to take is to get yourself to a safe place as soon as possible — even if that happens to be your doctor’s office or the community drop-in center. Then, contact an Elder Abuse Hotline. They’ll help you determine a plan of action to keep yourself protected and safe going forward.

You do NOT have to simply put up with financial abuse, and you are NOT a “bad parent” for refusing to continue to allow the abuse. If you’re not sure whether your situation falls under this category, call the Elder Abuse hotline — they will speak with you and help you to break everything down so that you can better understand.

By calling this number, you can get the Elder Abuse Hotline number for your state: 1-800-677-1116. Remember, you are not alone, help is just a phone call away.

~Here’s to Your Financial Health!

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