A client posed this thought-provoking question: “Do I think the laws are strong enough to control elder fraud? Do we need more laws?”
My typical reply would be, of course! We need much stronger laws and legislation to stop this epidemic.
As I thought more about this, though, I changed my mind.
We have strong legislation on the books. There are severe penalties for committing elder fraud and the courts are imposing jail time for these crimes. Then, what do we need to battle the fraudsters, scammers, grifters and what our parents used to call, “flim flam artists?”
If my thinking is correct, I believe what we need is more public awareness.
More elder fraud awareness
So what does that mean? Where do we share this awareness? We can start by free programs at schools, places of worship, community organizations or any location where a group of dedicated people want to impart their knowledge and experience to an audience that will listen.
It could start right here with this blog post – or the series of posts that I’ve already developed on the topic.
We don’t need trial studies, and years of research and investigation by the Food and Drug Administration to eradicate this epidemic. What we need are people to talk. And people to listen.
Call me old-fashioned, but I believe that one-to-one communication is what’s needed to drive change.
This is happening, but not fast enough. We need more.
We need people who are unafraid to tell their story, because that’s what will truly make a difference. Fraud support groups help to get the word out, and educate…. educate… and educate!
More laws? No, I don’t think so! We have plenty! We just need to talk about it to any who will listen.
Take my advice for what it is … It’s just as I see it.
