Important links to protect senior citizens

[July 14, 2011]  As the elderly population grows in Illinois and across our nation, protecting older citizens continues to be one of the most important responsibilities of the Attorney General’s office. Far too often, scam artists perceive senior citizens as vulnerable and relatively wealthy due to their ability to access retirement accounts and pensions.

 As a result, seniors are a frequent target of a wide range of consumer fraud scams. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan works to protect all Illinois seniors by taking legal action against those who prey on seniors and supporting legislation to toughen penalties against those who commit crimes against the elderly.

Sadly, financial exploitation is not the only threat to seniors’ safety. Physical and sexual abuse of elderly citizens is far too prevalent. This often unreported crime is devastating to both victims and family members. In response to this serious problem, the Attorney General’s office is working with advocates, other government agencies and law enforcement officials to root out abuse.

The Attorney General provides a Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Hotline. To contact the hotline please call 1-800-243-5377 or 1-800-964-3013 (TTY).

The Attorney General’s office is proud to participate in the following programs to help protect Illinois’ older citizens:

• Illinois TRIAD Program
• Elderly Service Officers
  • 2011 Advanced Elderly Service Officer Invitation
    
     
  • 2011 Advanced Elderly Service Officer Registration Form
    
     
• Silver Beat
• Statewide B SAFE Program

[FROM THE OFFICE OF LISA MADIGAN]

Archived columns