APPLETON — Local police are attending a two-day training program regarding financial elder abuse and white collar crimes in Appleton, presented by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
The free training is being offered to help investigators better understand scams and fraud that target the elderly, according to a DOJ release.
The Appleton training is the first of three trainings that will be held sponsored by DOJ through consumer protection settlement funds. The trainings will have topics that include communicating with elderly victims and witnesses; scams and types of fraud targeting the elderly; sources of information including resources; case initiation and development; records examination; preparation of an investigative file; state statutes and prosecutions; and other related topics. Additionally, two more trainings will be held in Wausau and Pewaukee in October.
A report from 2015 estimates that elders lose nearly $35 billion annually to elder financial abuse. The report also shows that the impact of financial exploitation extends beyond just economic damage, with 954,000 seniors skipping meals due to the abuse.
To report suspected financial, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, please contact your county elder adult-at-risk agency or call 1-800-488-3780. If you witness an act of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that requires immediate attention, please call 911.
To learn more about elder abuse, go to https://reportelderabusewi.org/.
