Financial exploitation of the elderly will be the topic of a free webinar that North Dakota State University Extension and South Dakota State University Extension are hosting Feb. 12 at noon Central time.

“Who do you think is most likely to use an older adult’s money in inappropriate ways?” asks NDSU Extension gerontology specialist Jane Strommen. “The answer might surprise you. A friend or a loved one, such as an adult child, is more likely to engage in financial elder abuse than a stranger or scam artist. This webinar will help you understand why friends or loved ones are more likely to engage in elder financial exploitation.

“In addition, it will help you become familiar with some of the legal agreements that appoint others to make financial decisions for older adults,” she adds. “Factors that make a person vulnerable to financial exploitation will be explored, as well as tips and tricks to reduce the risk of experiencing financial exploitation. This webinar will close with information about the resources available if you think that you or a loved one have been a victim of financial elder abuse.”

During the webinar, Kimberly Zachrison, assistant South Dakota attorney general, will give a presentation titled “Who do you trust with your money? Elder abuse and financial exploitation.”

Individuals will be able to participate in the webinar from the comfort of their home or during their lunch hour. Registration is required.

Go to https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/elder-abuse-and-financial-exploitation-webinar to register. The registration deadline is 1 p.m. Central time Feb. 11.

For more information about the webinar, contact Strommen at 701-231-5948 or jane.strommen@ndsu.edu; or Leacey Brown, South Dakota State University Extension gerontology field specialist, at 605-394-1722 or leacey.brown@sdstate.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Jan. 31, 2020