An alleged theft in Georgia highlights the huge financial risks seniors face, but a free guide offered by the state’s attorney general can help older individuals protect themselves against such scams.
Christie Edwards, 47, of Jacksonville, Fla., an accounting firm bookkeeper, stole over $380,000 from an elderly client in Georgia through fraudulent ATM withdrawals, point-of sale- transactions, checks and credit card payments, the Georgia Attorney General’s Office alleges.
Edwards has been indicted on charges of racketeering and theft by taking, according to a news release from Attorney General Chris Carr.
“Protecting older Georgians from scams and fraud will always be our top priority,” Carr said in a news release. “Sadly, those who often perpetrate such crimes are closest to the victims with direct access to their savings and personal information. We encourage older adults and their families to have a plan in place that includes multiple trusted individuals to oversee their finances and file a report with law enforcement if you ever feel something is wrong.”
Deceptive Practices, Fraud and Abuse
Carr said the The Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults is dedicated to stopping fraudulent practices and assisting those who have been victimized. It offers information and guidance on a variety of deceptive practices, including:
Imposter scams, such as IRS scams, Social Security scams, Medicare scams, tech support scams, utility scams, grandparent scams, order confirmation and fraudulent transaction scams and online romance
Investment scams
Medical alert and home security scams
Work-from-home scams
Mystery shopper scams
The guide covers other areas of importance to seniors, including where fraud or abuse is possible:
Door-to-door sales
Magazine sales
Charitable giving
Home repair and improvement
Funerals and cemeteries
Identity theft
Cybersecurity and protecting your devices
Credit and debt
Debt collectors
Reverse mortgages
Elder Abuse
Advance Directives
Diminished Driving Capacity
Long-Term Care
The guide is available in English, Spanish and Korean, and it is free to download here.
