New findings: millions of pounds stolen, defrauded or conned from older people by their own sons and daughters each year
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14668203200700006 |
| Pages | 39-40 |
| Published date | 01 March 2007 |
| Date | 01 March 2007 |
| Author | Elder Abuse |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
The Journal of Adult Protection Volume 9 Issue 1 • March 2007 ©Pavilion Publishing (Journals) Limited 39
Middle aged sons and daughters are the people most likely to
rob older people of their cash, valuables and even their homes, a
new report can reveal.
The findings, which have been launched by national charity
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA), is a study of all the calls to the
charity’s helpline during 2006 relating to financial abuse of older
people in their own homes. The audit shows that a staggering
53% of theft, fraud and deception that takes place in a
domiciliary setting is committed by the victim’s own sons or
daughters – who are usually middle aged.
Of the 471 incidents analysed over the 12-month period, a
minimum of two million pounds cash was reported as stolen or
coerced from older people, with an additional 18 houses also
being sold or taken without consent. A further 13 houses were
given away without the full awareness of the owner, or after
significant pressure – including blackmail. Gary FitzGerald, AEA
Chief Executive said,
‘This is a horrendous state of affairs. It may seem inconceivable to
most of us that a son or daughter could stoop to such appalling
depths. This is the generation that lived through the war and
suffered hardship to bring up their families and it beggars belief
that they can be treated so callously by their own families. Sadly,
however, it is a truth we all need to accept, not least older people
themselves. Often they areembarrassed or ashamed at what their
children have done and think it unique. They need to know that is
not the case and that they can speak out’.
The charity is now calling for banks and building societies to put
strategies in place to protect their older customers, for local
New findings: millions of
pounds stolen, defrauded or
conned from older people
by their own sons and
daughters each year Action on Elder Abuse
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