Guardianship Fraud: A Growing Problem

Guardianship fraud is a growing problem that can have devastating consequences for victims. According to the National Council on Aging, an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans will be the victim of financial exploitation each year. And in many cases, the perpetrator is a family member or friend who has been appointed as the victim's guardian.

Kevin Mitnick, one of the world's most famous hackers, has been investigating guardianship fraud for the past several years. He has uncovered some startling facts about this crime, including:

Guardianship: Fraud

by Kevin D. Mitnick

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4011 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	285 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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• Guardianship fraud is more common than you think. Mitnick estimates that there are millions of victims of guardianship fraud each year.
• Victims of guardianship fraud are often vulnerable adults. These adults may be elderly, disabled, or cognitively impaired, and they may not be able to protect themselves from exploitation.
• Guardianship fraud can have devastating financial consequences. Victims may lose their life savings, their homes, and even their independence.

Mitnick says that guardianship fraud is a "huge problem" that is "growing rapidly." He believes that the problem is being driven by a number of factors, including:

• The aging population. As the population ages, there will be more and more vulnerable adults who need assistance with their finances and personal care.
• The rise of social media. Social media platforms provide a way for fraudsters to connect with potential victims and gain their trust.
• The lack of awareness about guardianship fraud. Many people don't know that guardianship fraud is a problem, and they may not be able to recognize the signs of exploitation.

Mitnick says that there are a number of things that can be done to prevent guardianship fraud, including:

• Educating people about guardianship fraud. The more people who know about this crime, the less likely they are to become victims.
• Empowering vulnerable adults. Vulnerable adults need to be able to protect themselves from exploitation. This means giving them the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their finances and personal care.
• Strengthening the laws against guardianship fraud. Laws against guardianship fraud need to be strengthened to make it easier to prosecute perpetrators and to recover stolen assets.

Guardianship fraud is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for victims. By educating people about this crime, empowering vulnerable adults, and strengthening the laws against guardianship fraud, we can help to protect our loved ones from this growing threat.

Additional Information

If you suspect that someone you know is being exploited by a guardian, you can take the following steps:

• Contact the local Adult Protective Services agency. Adult Protective Services is a government agency that investigates cases of elder abuse and neglect.
• Contact the police. If you believe that a crime has been committed, you can contact the police.
• Contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help you to understand your options and protect your rights.

You can also get more information about guardianship fraud from the following resources:

• National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org
• National Adult Protective Services Association: https://www.napsa-now.org
• Guardianship Fraud Prevention Act: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/guardianship-fraud-prevention-act

Guardianship: Fraud

by Kevin D. Mitnick

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4011 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	285 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE