Keep a close eye on your money

Think about this. There could be people you know and trust taking advantage of you and your money. Right now. Someone you may not even suspect. It could be a business you have always relied on, a housekeeper who tidies your house, a friend who helps out with errands.

Maybe it’s a family member. Think about this.

Financial abuse is happening to someone you know. It is happening by someone you know. Financial abuse is using someone else’s money or property in a dishonest manner. It is failing to use older adults’ assets for their welfare. It is not just stealing money or possessions. It is much more.

Financial abuse is a wrongful use of power of attorney. It is failing to pay back money that is owed. It is opening mail without permission. It is charging more because they are older or frailer or more dependent. It is sharing a home without sharing expenses equally and not moving out when asked. It is selling their personal property against their wishes. It is pressuring a senior to sign something they do not fully understand. It is a misuse of power. It is a violation of trust.

You can and must maintain control. You can and must inquire, demand and ensure that this does not happen to you.

Arrange for direct deposits of any and all cheques you receive by mail. Never give any personal information over the phone. Give only to charities you absolutely know and trust. Don’t rush into decisions regarding your money or property. Get more than one estimate. Make inquiries with people you trust. Never sign something you do not completely understand. Check credentials. Review your bills, count your change, and above all, trust your instincts. Do not let anyone talk you into anything that you do not completely feel 100 per cent good about.

There is something else you need to remember. The people who are most likely to take advantage of you already know you. They know your routines, they know your weaknesses, they know where and when to look.

They also know which tactics will successfully get the information and the goods they want from you.

Be mindful. Though all of these transactions and interactions are shady, there is often no way to prove anything suspicious even happened. It’s one word against another, so to speak. If you have your gas pumped by an attendant, check the pump amount on the spot, and count your change before you leave the lot.

Be sure you understand what you are signing. Once you sign the dotted line, there may be little the police or your financial institution can do.

If you or someone you know has possibly been a victim, get in touch with someone who can help you as soon as possible. Call the police to file a report. If you have written a check and are not sure you should have or if you think you may have given your VISA information and shouldn’t have, contact your bank immediately. If you are concerned about someone’s financial or physical well being, Adult Protection can be reached at 1-800-225-7225. For more information, I can reached at the RCMP detachment at 245-2579 or at dawn.thomas@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.