Abuse and financial exploitation among the elderly is on the rise across South Texas, and experts warn the issue is significantly underreported. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor every one case of abuse and neglect that’s reported, there’s 22 that go unreported. And for exploitation, it’s 1 in 44,\u201d said Marissa Back, Evidence Driven Investigation Subject Matter Expert for the Texas Adult Protective Services.<\/p>\n
Back says there\u2019s signs that can point out that your elderly loved one is getting scammed. <\/p>\n
\u201cIsolating people from their regular friends and family, taking over people’s accounts, maybe unusual transactions that are happening,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Is your loved one at risk? What to know about elder abuse in South Texas<\/p>\n
Other red flags can be a sudden change in power of attorney or selling property. Back says there\u2019s also one common trend – the people who do it.<\/p>\n
\u201c40% of the people that we validate on are adult children. So our perpetrators are usually family members or trusted individuals,\u201d said Back.<\/p>\n
According to stats from APS, 390,000 people over 65 live across South Texas \u2014 a number expected to grow. On Thursday, the Silver Advocate Partner Organization put out the 16th Annual Senior Symposium for Service Providers for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities event \u2014 this event bringing in many community partners, all with one goal. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe main message is if they ever suspect a case of abuse, neglect or exploitation, the first thing to do is report it,\u201d said Rudy Moreno, chairman of Silver Advocate Partners Organization.<\/p>\n
A report that must be done to protect the most vulnerable. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe aren’t here to arrest anybody. That’s not our position. We’re not criminal investigators. We’re just here to protect the vulnerable adults by implementing those services to protect them,\u201d said Back.<\/p>\n
Need to report a suspected case of elderly abuse? You can dial 1-800-252-5400. <\/p>\n
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