Why Senior Fraud Matters

One out of every 5 people over the age of 65 have already been victimized by financial fraud.
Your financial health affects your overall health.
Financial loss impacts available food, medication, housing, and other services.
Almost a third of older adults live within 150% of the poverty level.
Older adults are more willing to take financial risks and are often more trusting.
Normal aging and disease can contribute to vulnerability.
The population of older adults vulnerable to fraud is growing.
Seniors who have suffered from abuse experience a mortality rate 3 times higher than those who are not victims in the 7 years following the crime.

Red Flags of Senior Financial Abuse

Stuck Together Like Glue

Person accompanying the senior shows excessive interest in senior’s finances or accounts, does not allow senior to speak, or is reluctant to leave the senior’s side during conversations

Whatever They Say

The senior shows an unusual degree of fear, anxiety, submissiveness, or deference towards person accompanying him or her

Long Lost Family Member

Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming their rights to the senior’s affairs and possessions

My New Best Friend

The senior moves away from existing relationships and toward new associations with other “friends” or even strangers

What Money?

The senior lacks knowledge about his or her financial status or shows a reluctance to discuss financial matters

The “Silent Treatment”

You are unable to speak directly with the senior despite repeated attempts to contact him or her

Jackpot!

The senior displays unexplained or unusual excitement over a financial windfall or prize check; may be reluctant to discuss details

It’s a Bad Hair Day

Noticeable neglect or decline in appearance, grooming, or hygiene

Tips for Protection

1

Don’t let your manners get in the way of your decision making.

You have the right to ask questions including what benefits the seller is receiving.

2

Always stay in charge of your money.

Make sure you understand the investment to include when you will have access to the funds invested. Review all of your statements and ask questions.

3

Watch out for salespeople who prey on your fears.

An investment may be right for you when you understand its terms and conditions, the risks involved, and your goals and needs are satisfied.

4

Monitor your investments and ask tough questions.

Receive and review all documentation regarding the status of your account and all transactions. Review for excessive trading, unauthorized transactions, and excessive fees that could be signs of potential fraud in your account.

5

Check out strangers touting “strange deals."

It is important to understand the investment before you buy. Remember you can contact the Oklahoma Department of Securities.

6

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Verify the terms of the investment.

7

Don’t make a personal tragedy worse with rash financial decisions.

Get all of the facts before you make any financial decisions.

8

Don’t let embarrassment or fear keep you from reporting investment fraud or abuse.

Every day you delay reporting fraud or abuse is one more day that the fraudster is spending your money and finding new victims.

External Resources

Elder Investment Fraud and Financial Exploitation (EIFFE) Prevention Program

The Oklahoma Department of Securities has partnered with the Investor Protection Trust (IPT) to present the EIFFE program to medical professionals and attorneys to help them learn to spot possible elder financial exploitation of their patients and clients.

Learn more
North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) Senior Resource Center

Information can be located at NASAA’s serve our seniors website.

Learn more

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