Financial Exploitation
Definition
Financial exploitation means taking money from elders or at-risk adults or other assets against their will or without their knowledge. In other words, stealing from the elder or at-risk adult. It also means deceiving, harassing, intimidating, or using undue influence to get the adult to do something against their will. An exploiter can be an individual, institution, broker-advisor, investment broker, an institution or someone who has power of attorney for the elder or at-risk adult. If financial exploitation is suspected, contact Adult Protective Services in the county where the suspected abuse is located. Also, seek legal advice.
Colorado Resources
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
colorado.gov • 855-443-3489
Contact the CBI and/or Select State Agencies on this website. The CBI investigates identity theft, fraud and cyber-crimes victim support. To report a problem or ask a question call the CBI 24/7 hotline 1-855-443-3489.
Colorado Division of Securities
colorado.gov/dora/division-securities
A division of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. This website provides information that protects investors and assists them in making sound and reasonable investment decisions.
Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Elder Abuse Unit and Communities Against Senior Exploitation (CASE)
jeffco.us/district-attorney.org
Serving Jefferson and Gilpin counties, specialized prosecutors dedicated to prosecuting all types of crimes perpetrated against the elderly. Also provides training for law enforcement and resources for the community, victims and services providers. The Elder Abuse Unit who work closely with law enforcement agencies, Adult Protective Services (APS), private organizations and professionals to locate and hold accountable those who victimize seniors. Communities Against Senior Exploitation (CASE). CASE is a proactive program to prevent victimization by providing critical information necessary to keep seniors from becoming victims of fraud and abuse. CASE publishes month Fraud Alerts, warning of the latest scams surfacing locally, statewide and nationally.
Denver District Attorney’s Office, Economic Crimes Unit (ECU)
denverda.org
This office investigates and prosecutes identity theft crimes, consumer fraud, embezzlement, financial crimes, credit card fraud, forgery and so-called “complex” crimes. The ECU works hard to prevent fraud through consumer education and also is an integral part of preventing crimes against the elderly.
National Resources
AARP Foundation’s ElderWatch
aarpelderwatch.org • 1-800-222-4444
ElderWatch specializes in helping older adults manage their money and recognize, refuse and report financial scams. The Program operates in cooperation with state attorney general’s offices and protects older adults from financial fraud and other forms of consumer abuse. If you are concerned or need help dealing with a scam, call an ElderWatch trained volunteer specialist at 1-800-222-4444 or go to aarpelderwatch.org.
FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
ic3.gov
The IC3 accepts online Internet crime complaints from either the actual victim or from a third party to the complainant. This site provides a list of information to use when filing a complaint.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, (CFPB)
consumerfinance.gov • 1-855-411-2372
CFPB, an independent government agency created to provide a single point of accountability for enforcing federal consumer financial laws and protecting consumers in the financial marketplace. Contact them if you are having a problem with a financial product or service by submitting a complaint or if you have a question, call 1-855-411-2372.