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.
Serving adults, children, elderly and those with disabilities since 2000.