Authorities working to combat financial crimes against the elderly

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF) – Financial exploitation of older adults is on the rise.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld says West Virginia has one of the oldest populations in the country. And he sees many cases of people scamming seniors in two ways: through senior theft and through senior citizen scams.

The scams are carried out by strangers, over the phone or online. Elder flight however, it is committed by someone they know, such as a caregiver or family member.

“The number one category is adult children, who take advantage of their parents, and we also have the second category in this category of stealing from the elderly, caregivers. These are nurses, home health aides, personal care aides who come to your home and end up accessing your checkbook and your personally identifiable information.

William Ihlenfeld, United States Attorney, Northern District of West Virginia

Anyone who believes they or a loved one is a victim of fraud is asked to call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (304) 234-0100.

Financial crimes were the subject of a conference today hosted by the U.S. Attorney for employees of banks, credit unions, security brokers and casinos, detailing what to look for.