Protecting Seniors from Elder Abuse
There a major push in Albany to protect the elderly from financial abuse. According to state officials, more than ever before, elderly residents of New York State are now the target of scams and thefts. To protect consumers, State Senators Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma) and David Valesky (D-Oneida) are pitching new legislation. The series of bills would amend state law to toughen penalties for offenders and give banks the authority to reject financial transactions that appear to exploit the elderly. "Our goal shouldn't be to just reduce elder abuse, it should be to eliminate it," says Gallivan. "This is a good start working in that direction, to ensure our seniors spend their golden years in security and dignity." New york's senior population is the third highest in the country and it's increasing every year. Gallivan says financial abuse among the elderly is a growing trend across the state.
To watch the Senate Majority Coalition News Conference on Elder Abuse, click here.