Today is the fifth World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a national campaign designed to bring attention to the abuse of senior citizens.
Unfortunately, financial elder abuse is a far too common problem for many of America’s senior citizens.
According to a new Investor Protection Trust survey conducted by Infogroup/ORC, more than 7.3 million older Americans – one out of every five citizens over the age of 65 –already have been victimized by a financial swindle.
Whether today or sometime in the near future, take time to learn more about financial elder abuse and the many resources available to you and your loved ones.
We have linked to resources and organizations who provide more information about financial elder abuse.
Financial Elder Abuse Resources
Avoid Investment Fraud - Smart Tips for Older Investors (PDF)
Online pamphlet with important information on investment fraud and tips on how to avoid being taken advantage of.
Report Investment Fraud
If you suspect you or a loved one is a victim of investment fraud, report it to the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.
Medicare Fraud and Abuse
Tips from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner on how to avoid Medicare fraud.
Report Medicare Fraud
Report Medicare fraud to the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
Verify the License of a Financial Professional/Company
Before doing business with financial professionals in Washington State, verify that they are properly licensed to operate in our state.
Financial Fraud Alerts from the Department of Financial Institutions
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions periodically issues financial fraud alerts to help residents avoid becoming victims of fraud.
More Resources
Reverse Mortgage Information
Information specifically for seniors from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Free Money Management Classes near You
Many organizations offer free money management classes to the public. The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions maintains an online calendar of upcoming classes.
Local Organizations Offering Assistance
Washington State Office of the Attorney General
The Washington State Office of the Attorney General is dedicated to helping Washington residents. The Attorney General’s Website contains a lot of helpful information, including scams targeting Washington seniors.
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) regulates and examines a variety of state chartered financial services. DFI also provides education and outreach to protect consumers from financial fraud. If you have a complaint against a financial professional doing business in Washington State, you can file it with DFI.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner oversees the insurance industry in Washington to make sure that companies follow the rules and that consumers get what they pay for. If you have a complaint against an insurance company, you can file it with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
AARP Washington
AARP’s Website contains links to information about fraud and upcoming educational events. AARP Washington also operates a fraud fighter call center that offers Washington consumers the tips, resources and information they need to protect themselves from fraud and abuse.