Elder Financial Abuse: The Silent Crime

George Gascón, San Francisco District Attorney
Hubert Horatio "Skip" Humphrey III, Assistant Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Older Americans
Shay Matthews, Assistant District Attorney, San Francisco District Attorney’s Office
Helen Karr, Elder Abuse Special Assistant, San Francisco District Attorney’s Office

You’ve heard it before – an unsuspecting elder puts his or her trust in a caregiver only to discover that person has stolen their life savings. Elder financial abuse is often referred to as the “silent crime.” It cuts across social status, gender, race and ethnicity. In many cases, a victim might not know someone is stealing from them, or be so embarrassed that they stay silent. Perpetrators are usually loved ones, family members and caregivers putting the victim in a vulnerable position of being reliant on their abuser for help. San Francisco is home to an increasing aging population making it ripe for elder financial crimes to occur. Our panel of speakers, including DA Gascón, will discuss current prosecutorial successes in curbing scams, real estate fraud and financial abuse targeting seniors. They will also provide useful tips to prevent and where to report elder financial abuse.

MLF: Grownups
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 4:45 p.m. networking reception, 5:15 p.m. program
Cost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Also know: In association with San Francisco Village
Program Organizer: John Milford