Most states are not doing enough to fight crimes against the increasing elderly population.
A few states have state level investigative units dedicated to fighting elder financial abuse. However, that may not be enough, according to the Brookings Register in “S.D. a national leader in battling elder fraud.”
Criminals target the elderly more and more every year, because they are often an easier target. The loss to elderly Americans is in the billions. This is a national problem that requires national attention to fix completely. However, state governments also need to do their part to protect elderly people in their jurisdictions.
Most are not doing enough.
A few years ago, South Dakota decided there was a problem and started a commission to make recommendations about how the problem should be addressed. One of the results was to create a special unit in their attorney general’s office dedicated to investigating and prosecuting the financial abuse of the elderly. More states should do the same.
An elder law attorney can advise you if you suspect that an elderly person is being exploited.
Reference: Brookings Register (May 8, 2018) “S.D. a national leader in battling elder fraud.”
