Protecting Senior and Vulnerable Nebraskans from Fraud, Abuse and Exploitation
THIS PROGRAM WAS ORIGINALLY PRODUCED IN 2017.
Many senior and vulnerable Nebraskans are faced with the challenges of protecting themselves and their loved ones from the threat of fraud, abuse and financial exploitation. To provide protection for vulnerable and older adults, the Older Americans Act and the Adult Protective Services state statutes were established.
In this program, you’ll hear from experts who will discuss the impact of financial exploitation on vulnerable and older Nebraskans. Common frauds and scams in Nebraska will be discussed with tips on how to protect yourself from being victimized. You’ll learn how to stop unwanted mail and how to place a security freeze on your credit history for a minimal cost. You’ll also learn that filing a consumer complaint and reporting scams is easy.
Law enforcement will provide an overview of case investigations and how they work with other agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Adult Protective Services office, during their investigation of cases in a court system.
A medical expert will discuss how to spot symptoms of conditions such as dementia and, how diminished capacity increases a person’s vulnerability for financial exploitation.
Lastly, you’ll hear from a legal expert who will review the roles and responsibilities of the agents of power of attorney.
Meet the panelists:
| Mike Wight, Public Information Officer |
| Jim Hegarty, President/CEO Consumer fraud and scams, and how to track them with the BBB's scam tracker |
| Ryan Sothan, Outreach Coordinator Ways seniors can protect themselves from being victimized, unwanted telemarketing, how to use a security freeze and how to file a complaint |
| Benjamin Kroeze, Supervisor APS' role in investigations of financial exploration |
| Cindy Koenig-Warnke, Investigator How law enforcement investigates financial exploitation and how it coordinates with APS |
| Mary Christensen, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner How diminished increases vulnerability for financial exploitation |
| Mary Wilson, Attorney Guardianship decisions, powers of attorney and family dynamics |
A partnership between NET and non-profit, educational, governmental and community service groups
Funding Partners
