Thiele cracks down on crimes against elderly

Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced the Assembly

passed a comprehensive package of bills to protect New York’s seniors
against abuse and predatory financial practices. The Assembly’s legislation
also aims to help increase awareness among the elderly community to avoid
criminal schemes.

“Unfortunately, financial crimes against the elderly are a growing problem
that has left countless seniors victims of scams,” Assemblyman Thiele said.
“Many con artists target the elderly and take advantage of their
vulnerability, causing financial ruin. This package works to end this
disgraceful practice, while ensuring seniors have the information they need
to help identify scams before they wreak havoc on their lives.”

Increasing awareness about elder abuse

To address elder abuse and increase awareness among residents of Naturally
Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) and Neighborhood NORCs, the
Assembly passed a measure that would amend the definition of eligible
services to include educating seniors on how to recognize the signs of elder
abuse and exploitation (A.7231).

“This measure would provide increased awareness about elder abuse, letting
our seniors know there are resources available in our community to keep them
safe from harm,” Thiele said.

Helping seniors avoid professional fraud

The Assembly passed a measure requiring advertisements for professionals
that include a title or designation indicating knowledge or training in
senior issues to also disclose the source of that title or designation
(A.1787-A).

“It’s far too easy for con artists to scam the elderly by pretending to be
experts in products and services that benefit seniors,” Assemblyman Thiele
said. “This disclosure will help give seniors the peace of mind that the
services being advertised are carried out by qualified professionals.”

Protecting seniors from financial exploitation

The Assembly’s package includes a measure that would require
the Department of Financial Services to develop guidelines for reporting
suspected financial exploitation of the elderly in consultation with the
state Office for the Aging, state attorney general, representatives of the
financial services industry, law enforcement, senior groups and district
attorneys (A.1783-B). Under these guidelines, if a report of suspected
financial exploitation is made, the financial institution making the report
would be protected from any civil liability.

“One of the most devastating instances of elder abuse is financial
exploitation,” Thiele said. “Giving financial institution employees guidance
on what constitutes suspected financial exploitation and encouraging them to
flag and report suspicious activity without the worry that they will be sued
is an important step to protect seniors’ hard-earned money.”

Additionally, the package includes a bill that would offer options for
seniors to be protected in the event of suspected financial exploitation
(A.7345-B). Under this measure, the Department of Financial Services would
be required to develop a program that seniors would be able to opt into to
receive additional protection. If a senior chooses to participate, and there
is an instance of suspected financial exploitation, the financial
institution would be required to make a report to law enforcement and adult
protective services.

“Financial institutions have ready access to evidence of exploitation of
senior clients’ accounts that could stop many criminals in their tracks,”
Thiele said. “However, there are many seniors who don’t want law enforcement
or outside sources involved, as the suspect may be a family member. This
measure would establish the option for seniors to choose greater financial
protection, while maintaining the privacy of those who do not.”

Source: Press released issued by the Office of Fred Thiele, June 14.