One in four Seniors will be a victim of a financial crime.  All Seniors are at risk because they can find themselves in situations or relationships that leave them open to financial abuse.  This type of abuse may be anything from stealing small amounts of cash to persuading a person to sign for a loan against their wishes. Protect yourself and be smart. Don’t be fooled.

Signs of financial abuse:

• Have you let someone else use your ATM card or credit card?
• Has someone convinced you to sign a blank check for someone else to cash?
• Has someone stolen your social security or pension check from you?
• Do you have money and other valuables laying around in the open?
• Has someone forced you to sign a check  or other document against your will in exchange for care?
• Have you given written permission for someone to make financial decisions for you and do you know what that means?
• Has someone forced you to give them money by threatening you or stolen money from you?

For more information on this article go to www.state.il.us/aging