26 Aug Preventing Senior Fraud and Abuse
District Attorney Bogus Check & Supervision division: (918) 923-4593
Sadly when older people become victims it is often at the hands of someone who is supposed to help them.
Older adults become targets for financial exploitation both by strangers and by family, friends or paid caretakers.
Reporting and early intervention is key to prevent loss or improve the chances of getting a person their money back. To pursue any case the District Attorney has to have a police report so call law enforcement if there’s a problem. Do not be embarrassed or afraid to report.
There are several places to get answers or help:
Adult Protective Services is part of OK DHS Toll-free number to call: 1 (800) 522-3511
Also be aware of the Grand Gateway Area on Aging, in Big Cabin
Services include: Caregiver program, ombudsman, fitness, medication management, transportation, legal aid, health insurance counseling, information and referral.
Toll free: 1 (800) 482-4594
Big Cabin office: (918) 783-5793
Stay in touch with your bank. If someone else has access to your account(s) be sure to check in with the bank, regularly, to help spot any unusual activity. If you receive an offer promising to get you money; run it by your bank. They often know of the latest scams and can help you avoid them.
Examples of financial exploitation:
Someone who misuses the Power of Attorney you granted, or anyone with access to your financial assets.
Flat out theft; often by a caregiver, in-home helper, or family member.
Callers claiming to be from law enforcement: If you get any call asking for money to support an organization or agency get off the phone and call the actual organization or agency, directly. You will likely find the call was an attempt to defraud you.
Investment fraud; beware of people selling financial services or products. These often come in the form of “free-lunch seminars”. Check with your own bank or CPA before even considering getting involved in an investment or buying a financial product or service.
A very common scam has to do with claims you’ve won a lottery, sweepstakes or other big money.
Easiest thing to remember is if you have to PAY money to GET money it’s a scam.
Telephone scams are often used on older people. The “Grandparent Scam” is pretty rampant, you get a call claiming to be from a family member in trouble and you have to quickly wire money: Do not do it.
No matter the circumstance do not wire money. It’s just like sending off cash because you can’t track it and can’t get it back. Using a credit card for any payment is always safest because you can dispute an incorrect charge without ever being out the actual money.
People who come up to your home wanting to do some repair or labor. Always deal with a reputable contractor with a physical address, who gives you a written estimate and written contract.
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