WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Individuals might display these behaviors or signs
- Displays sudden attention or affection for the individual.
- Appears nervous or afraid.
- Unable to remember signing documents.
- Isolated from family or other support.
- Property is transferred or missing.
- Confusion about transactions or withdrawals.
- Power of Attorney was given.
- Sudden change in their appearance.
- Bank activity changes: withdrawals, transfers or addition of signer. Banking habits change: frequent withdrawals, check writing ceases abruptly, beneficiary revoked/changed and sudden increase in debt.
Why fraud/scam cases continue
- Difficult to detect.
- Committed without violence.
- Victims are vulnerable, intimidated, confused or coerced easily.
- Victims are embarrassed to report.
- Victims are not always aware they’re being victimized.
- Victims conclude there’s nothing they can do to recover their losses and unaware of available help.
- Neighbor or friend who suspect abuse do not want to get involved.
- Difficult to prosecute.
- Victims are often times lonely and the contact with scammers becomes their social life.
Who are the abusers?
- Family, friends, caregivers, repair person and strangers (mail, phone or cyber).
What can you do?
- Adult Protective Services can investigate if the vulnerable adult who is age 60 or older; or age 18 and older and has a developmental disability; and who are being abused, neglected or exploited. To make a confidential/anonymous report call the local Adult Protective Services office or go to their website at www.aps.mt.gov.
- If the Adult Protective criteria is not met, then call law enforcement.