Everglades City
It deeply saddens me to share a cautionary tale that unfolded just this week – a reminder that even those entrusted with our care may betray our trust. Two women, tasked with looking after the elderly, opted to exploit them instead, stealing credit cards and accumulating debts. This serves as a stark reminder that we must be vigilant in safeguarding our finances and well-being.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office reported incidents involving significant financial losses for elderly individuals – $3,000 from an 81-year-old woman, $603.54 from a 105-year-old woman, and an attempted theft of $191 from a 76-year-old man.
During the Diamonds of the Everglades event Friday, January 12th, Angela Larson, Supervisor of Victim Services, highlighted the vulnerability of seniors and the breach of trust by those expected to provide care.
AARP estimates that approximately $28.3 billion is stolen from seniors annually, impacting essential needs such as food, medication and rent.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from such heart-wrenching situations, it is crucial to stay actively involved in each other’s lives. Isolation can make seniors more susceptible to scams, so maintaining connections with friends and family is essential. Experts recommend minimizing exposure by reducing the number of credit and debit cards, regularly checking credit scores, and avoiding leaving valuable items or bank information unattended.
If you notice anything suspicious, take swift action. Call your bank immediately to initiate an investigation and stop any potential future transactions. Subsequently, notify local law enforcement to ensure the culprits are held accountable.
Let us stand together to protect our seniors and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve. By staying vigilant and proactive, we can create a safer environment for our elderly loved ones.
More assistance available at Elder Affairs Florida: https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/elder-protection-programs
