Protecting our seniors from financial exploitation; seminar scheduled for Wednesday

EL PASO, Texas - Adult Protective Services, APS Silver Star Board, EPCC Senior Adult Program, and County Attorney’s Office-Elder Protection Unit are hosting a  Financial Abuse Awareness and Prevention Workshop this Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:00 am in the boardroom of the EPCC Administrative Service Center, 9050 Viscount, Building A. October is Elderly Financial Exploitation Awareness Month.

Financial exploitation is when a relative, caretaker (or anyone with an ongoing relationship) improperly or illegally uses the money or property of someone who is elderly or has a disability for personal benefit or profit.

Adult Protective Services (APS), a program of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), investigated 13,554 cases of exploitation in Texas fiscal year 2021 including 506 in the El Paso area.

“It’s difficult working with someone who has been exploited by a family member,” said Grace Ortiz, Adult Protective Services Community Engagement Specialist.

“There’s a lot of denial. Their trust is what was exploited.”

During the initial DFPS investigation, APS staff work with law enforcement and financial institutions to freeze accounts and stop the exploitation.

APS is putting a spotlight on stopping financial exploitation and other important issues for the elderly from now until the end of the month. More information and resources are available on EveryonesBusiness.org.

The warning signs of financial exploitation include:

· Sudden changes in bank accounts or banking practices.

· Unexplained or unexpected withdrawal of large sums of money.

· Adding names to someone's bank signature card.

· Unfamiliar people accompanying bank customers to withdraw large sums.

· Unauthorized withdrawal of funds using ATM cards or sudden transfers of assets.

· Sudden changes in financial documents.

· Unpaid bills despite having enough money.

· Previously uninvolved relatives who suddenly claim rights to a person’s affairs and possessions.

· Abuse of power of attorney.

If you see signs of financial exploitation, call the Texas Abuse Hotline (800-252-5400) or report online at TxAbuseHotline.org.

Find out more about this issue at EveryonesBusiness.org, including tips on how Texans can protect themselves from financial exploitation.