As Cases Increase, AG Doubles Effort To Combat Elder Abuse, Financial Exploitation

By Annmarie Timmins, New Hampshire Bulletin

A significant increase in elder abuse and financial exploitation of Granite Staters has prompted the Attorney General’s Office to expand its efforts to combat those crimes. Part of that is to educate people over 60 and those who care for them.

“Law enforcement can catch people. Law enforcement can prosecute people,” Attorney General John Formella told a group of residents at the White Rock Senior Living complex in Bow Monday. “But one of the most important things we can do is to give people the tools to protect themselves.”

Formella said the unit has seen a 71 percent increase in referrals for the abuse and financial exploitation of people over 60 in the past five years, from 758 to 1,295. That increase comes as the state is getting older and more people become vulnerable, he said. By 2030, an estimated 33 percent of residents will be over age 60.

How to report and get help

If you or someone you know suspects a person has been abused or financially exploited, there are a number of resources that can help.

Report your concerns to the state Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services at 800-949-0470.

You can also contact the Attorney General’s Office’s Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit at 603-271-5009 or your county attorney’s office.

The group of anti-abuse and exploitation groups posts updates, scam alerts, and educational material on stayconnectednh.org.

New Hampshire Legal Assistance may also be able to help with legal issues at nhla.org or by calling 800-562-3174.

The office’s Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, which began in 2016 with a full-time prosecutor and two part-time people doing investigations and victim support, will double. Formella has added another prosecutor, an investigator, and paralegal, all full time.

While reports of elder abuse and financial exploitation have increased significantly, experts say a significant number of those crimes go unreported. Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, who Formella credited with helping the office expand its efforts, put that number at as much as one in 24 cases during Monday’s announcement.

That’s true even though state law requires anyone who suspects elder abuse or financial exploitation must report physical abuse, neglect, exploitation, or hazardous conditions to notify the Department of Health and Human Services or their local law enforcement agency.

Attorney Bryan Townsend II, of the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, recommended a few strategies older adults can use to protect themselves. That includes, “verify, verify, verify,” he said.

He advised people to hang up their phone if they get a call from someone saying their bank account has been compromised or their Social Security benefits will be terminated unless they provide certain information. Note the caller’s number and contact the bank or law enforcement directly, he said.

Another common scam involves someone claiming to be a loved one and asking for bail money or other assistance in an emergency. One audience member said she opened her laptop to hear a voice telling her that her computer had been locked until she contacted the number given. Rather than provide money or make that call, Townsend advised people to report the call to the police or someone they trust for guidance.

Signs of elder abuse and neglect must also be reported, Townsend said, such as unexplained bruises or marks. He advised people to check on someone if they stop attending regular activities like visits to a senior center.

“Go to their house or call them. If you are not denied access or they are not responding, call the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services at the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-949-0470.”

Formella said the additional staff will allow the office to investigate and prosecute more. The unit will also expand its education efforts, which included 30 presentations last year to law enforcement, financial institutions, senior housing, long-term care facilities, and medical professionals.

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