Every year, older Americans lose an estimated $36.5 billion dollars to financial exploitation, abuse, and scams, which is destroying the security of older adults and their families. By the year 2030, 1 out of every 5 Hoosiers will be age 65 or older, according to population projections by the Indiana Business Research Center with the IU Kelly School of Business. Having so many older adults in the state of Indiana creates a “growing marketplace for those who may be looking to take advantage of vulnerable adults,” says Chris Naylor, with the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council. That’s why Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson has partnered with other experts in fraud prevention to form the Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation, or IN-CASE.
“My office is already a leader in elder justice. The Indiana Securities Division protects Hoosier investors against securities fraud. With IN-CASE, we saw an opportunity to amplify our efforts by teaming up with others who are equally committed to protecting our state’s senior citizens,” says Secretary Lawson.
IN-CASE began over 4 years ago when the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging’s (IAAAA) Senior Medicare Patrol director began hosting a networking group consisting of government agencies and organizations that serve older adults and/or have a mission to educate them and their caregivers on how to prevent all types of fraud. The mission of IN-CASE is to empower Indiana communities to prevent and end senior exploitation and abuse through education, encouragement, and empowerment.
The Office of the Indiana Secretary of State and IAAAA are leading this endeavor in partnership with the Indiana FSSA Division of Aging, Office of the Indiana Attorney General, Better Business Bureau Serving Central Indiana, AARP Indiana, Indiana Legal Services, and other state, public, and private organizations.
Recognizing the creation of IN-CASE, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has declared the week of June 9-15 as Indiana Elder Abuse Awareness Week, which culminates with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2019.
IN-CASE is participating in and/or hosting numerous events statewide during this week to educate Hoosiers on all types of fraud with expert panelists to teach you and your loved ones how to avoid getting scammed or defrauded. To learn more about these events and IN-CASE, please visit www.IN-CASE.org.