Latest news with #financialexploitation
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Learn how to spot scams at Ottawa County's aging summit
The Ottawa County Task Force on Aging will host the Summit on Aging on Sept. 9. The event will take place at St. John's Lutheran Church, 122 W. Ottawa St., Oak Harbor. Registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m., with presentations scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, according to a community announcement. The summit aims to educate the public about issues affecting seniors, particularly financial exploitation and scams. This has become the most reported issue for Adult Protective Services in Ohio. Speakers will include representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, Croghan Bank, Commodore Perry Federal Credit Union, Legal Aid of Western Ohio and Attendees will learn about local financial exploitation, scam prevention tips and steps to take if they fall victim to scams. A resource table will provide free information and resources. RSVP by calling 567-262-3174 or emailing ottawacoaging@ This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Scam prevention focus at Ottawa County aging summit Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
16-06-2025
- CBS News
Maryland leaders, FBI and AARP partner for "Protect Week" to combat elder fraud
Maryland officials and advocacy groups are joining forces to protect older Marylanders from financial exploitation. AARP, the Maryland Department of Aging, and the FBI's Baltimore Field Office launched "Protect Week" in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The statewide initiative aims to educate seniors and their families on how to avoid common scams that often target the elderly. "Our elderly parents and grandparents deserve to enjoy their golden years, not have their security shattered," said Amanda M. Koldjeski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. $80 million lost to elderly scams in 2024 Each year, thousands of older Maryland residents fall victim to fraud, losing millions of dollars. According to the FBI, more than 3,200 Marylanders over the age of 60 lost a combined $80 million to scams in 2024. At the kickoff event, officials shared personal stories and warned about the emotional manipulation often used by scammers. "It's a powerful reminder that abuse doesn't always come from a stranger hiding behind a screen," said Shawn Perry, host of The Senior Zone. "Sometimes, it comes from a trusted person." Carmel Roques, Maryland's Secretary of Aging, described a recent moment at home when she received a suspicious message. "My husband called up the stairs to me and he said, 'Honey, there's someone named Lisa from Japan who wants us to know we won $5 million… we just have to click here,'" Roques said, laughing. "We had a good laugh." But for many, it's no laughing matter. Officials warned that scammers often create urgent or emotional scenarios to pressure seniors into giving up personal information or money. "In Maryland, more than 3,200 people over the age of 60 lost a staggering $80 million," Koldjeski said. Jane Dean, a Montgomery County resident, nearly fell victim to a scam after receiving a call claiming she had an Amazon order, even though she doesn't have an account. She said she stayed on the phone with the scammer while trying to withdraw money at the bank, until a police officer's radio gave the situation away. "The policeman that was there, his radio went off, and the scammer hung up," Dean said. "That's how easy it was for this scammer to get me under the ether." Koldjeski added a word of advice to the public: "The FBI urges you to take a beat, never rush into sending money to anyone. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Tips for avoiding scams targeting elderly residents Officials offered the following tips to help elderly residents avoid scams: Be skeptical of unexpected phone calls, emails or texts Scammers often create pressure with urgency or emotional manipulation Never send money or give personal details without verifying the source Contact local law enforcement to report scams or suspicious activity. State leaders and AARP will host educational events throughout the week to share tools and strategies for keeping Maryland seniors safe.
Associated Press
15-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Silver Miller Stands with Victims of Elder Financial Exploitation
Silver Miller recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting the growing crisis of elder financial exploitation & the need for legal action & recovery CORAL SPRINGS, FL, UNITED STATES, June 15, 2025 / / -- June 15th marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, drawing attention to the growing crisis of elder abuse, particularly financial exploitation that often targets seniors because of their long-accumulated life's savings and vulnerability. Silver Miller is fiercely committed to protecting seniors and holding accountable those who engage in financial misconduct. Each year, thousands of seniors in the United States become victims of financial exploitation, sometimes at the hands of trusted individuals, financial advisors, financial institutions, brokers, or family members. These crimes frequently remain undetected until after significant financial and emotional harm has occurred. Attorneys at Silver Miller routinely handle cases involving investment fraud, broker misconduct, unauthorized account activity, power-of-attorney abuse, and cryptocurrency scams targeting older adults. The firm actively pursues legal remedies through FINRA arbitration, litigation, and regulatory proceedings to seek financial recovery for victims. Vigilance and early intervention play a critical role in preventing financial exploitation. Open communication about financial matters, routine monitoring of accounts, and attention to unusual withdrawals or changes in financial documents can help detect abuse early. Victims of elder financial abuse often require strong legal advocacy to navigate the complex financial and legal systems involved in recovering stolen assets. Silver Miller provides experienced representation designed to pursue full accountability from those responsible for financial wrongdoing. Individuals with concerns regarding elder financial exploitation are encouraged to contact Silver Miller for a confidential case evaluation. For more information, please visit About Silver Miller Silver Miller is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to representing victims of investment fraud, financial misconduct, and elder financial exploitation. With extensive experience in securities arbitration, cryptocurrency disputes, and financial fraud litigation, Silver Miller's attorneys aggressively pursue financial recovery for individuals and families who have been harmed by brokers, financial advisors, and other financial professionals. The firm serves clients across the United States, providing personalized, results-driven legal representation. Charlotte Arkwright Exults Digital Marketing Agency email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Westmoreland County attorney arrested during standoff with police serving warrant
A Westmoreland County attorney accused of stealing from a woman's estate was arrested after a standoff with officers who were serving a warrant, authorities say. Police arrested Robert Klingensmith, 61, of Murrysville, at his office on Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville on Saturday, according to a Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office spokesperson. The warrant for his arrest was issued last week. Klingensmith reportedly sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the 'brief' standoff with police. Officials say he underwent life-preserving surgery, but his condition is not known. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Westmoreland County attorney accused of stealing over $300K from woman's estate Leading up to his arrest, Klingensmith was charged with theft, financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person and theft by failure to make required payment or disposition of funds. Authorities claim that Klingensmith stole money from a woman's estate that he was hired to handle, using ATM withdrawals and/or checks. He allegedly removed more than $311,000 from the account between August 2021 to March 2024. Investigators also claim Klingensmith failed to file an inheritance tax return, tax payments or distribute money to the victim's four heirs. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Harmony woman accused of financially exploiting vulnerable adult out of over $86K
May 22—PRESTON, Minn. — A Harmony woman has been accused of withdrawing and transferring more than $86,000 into her personal bank accounts from the bank account of a vulnerable adult. Kisa Lyn O'Connor, 46, was charged in Fillmore County District Court with 18 counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, according to court documents filed on Thursday, May 22. Beginning in February 2024, the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office received reports from the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) that indicated concerns that O'Connor was "mishandling or misappropriating" the adult's finances. O'Connor was the power of attorney for the adult. According to the criminal complaint, a report in February 2024 revealed that O'Connor attempted to withdraw $100,000 from the victim's account. One of the victim's family members, who was previously one of the adult's powers of attorney, spoke with Fillmore County investigators and alleged O'Connor cashed in everything the victim had, including her retirement, pension and savings, after the family sold the victim's home. The family member told police O'Connor had been removing the victim's funds from the bank account and putting them in a safe inside O'Connor's home. According to the complaint, O'Connor took the victim to see a lawyer and made the victim deem O'Connor as the sole power of attorney and executor/personal representative on the victim's will. The victim was diagnosed with dementia in 2023, and medical records indicated that she was not able to "make major decisions, sign agreements or handle her own finances at the time funds were taken by O'Connor." From Nov. 4, 2023, through Feb. 20, 2025, O'Connor issued the withdrawal of more than $278,800. At least $86,800 was withdrawn in cash or transferred to O'Connor's bank account, according to the complaint. When Fillmore County investigators contacted O'Connor on Oct. 29, 2024, she told them she took out a $14,000 prepayment for seven months of expenses because the victim was living with her. According to the complaint, O'Connor said she and the former power of attorney decided $2,000 per month would be the payment to care for the victim. On Oct. 31, 2024, a Fillmore County Adult Protection Social Worker and an investigator followed up with O'Connor at her residence. O'Connor said she and her family had an agreement on the terms. She also said she withdrew $24,000 in cash from the victim's account the week prior. O'Connor returned the money to the victim's account after the investigator told her to. "During her time as victim's caretaker, it is alleged that O'Connor failed to use victim's financial resources for victim's benefit or lawful purposes," the complaint said. "Instead, it is alleged that O'Connor used victim's funds and resources for the benefit of herself or someone other than victim."
