50+ Lifestyles

Scams Targeting Seniors Who Cares? S.A.L.T Does!

Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” Why? Because seniors are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts.

It’s not just wealthy seniors who are targeted. Low-income older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it’s not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. According to the National Council on Aging, over 90 percent of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others. Unfortunately, these financial scams often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute. However, they’re devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses.

S.A.L.T. – Seniors and Law Enforcement Together is a community organization aimed at helping prevent elder abuse. The group is made up of senior citizens, area law enforcement and senior service agencies from both Iowa and Illinois. The goal, stop elder abuse! The group meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m., at the Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI). Anyone interested in learning more about that latest efforts in scam prevention or would like to become a member of S.A.L.T are encourage to attend.

If you believe that you or someone you know is a victim of financial elder abuse contact your local law enforcement agency or call the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.