Incidents of financial elder abuse are steadily on the rise, leaving some of society's most vulnerable at risk of exploitation.
Renee Maria Cozier, Senior Programme Coordinator in the Diversity and Inclusion Unit, shares key warning signs to watch out for and encourages members of the public to speak up and report any suspected abuse.
00:00According to Renee Maria Kosier, the Diversity and Inclusion Unit is located within the Tobago Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection.
00:09She tells the TV6 Morning Edition, elder financial abuse involves the illegal or improper use of an older person's money, property or assets, often without their full knowledge or consent.
00:24She further explains that it can include pension theft, coercing elders to sign over property, misuse of ATM cards or the manipulation of legal tools such as powers of attorney.
00:38Ms. Kosier says people need to be aware of this silent threat.
00:43So we are seeing more cases coming out regarding financial abuse.
00:48It's one of the types of abuse that is hardly spoken of because you might hear a lot more of verbal abuse, emotional abuse, neglect.
00:59But this definitely is a form of abuse that is right in its head and that is not always, it's always difficult to listen to these cases.
01:12She cautions that there are key signs to look out for, adding that in many cases, the perpetrators are individuals the elderly trust, including relatives, caregivers and even legal representatives.
01:26For instance, if the elderly person recognizes that there are some unexplained bank withdrawals or transfers from their accounts,
01:36you may realize that an elderly person is suddenly unable to pay their bills or buy groceries despite having pension or savings.
01:46And you can also probably realize as family members, elderly persons fear anxiety when speaking about certain individuals.
01:55She shared this example of an individual impersonating an official to take advantage of an elderly person.
02:03You may have persons who pretend to be a person representing a government official or representing someone from the division.
02:14It could be any division.
02:15They may just call themselves a government official to enter the premises of an elderly person.
02:20And in this case, in this particular case, I'm sharing with you, it was an elderly person living alone.
02:27And so once that person has some level of trust, you may find an elderly person engaging with that individual.
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