Romance scams don't just happen to lonely, naive people — they happen to sharp, successful, well-educated adults every single day. And in Florida, where more than 5 million residents are over the age of 65, they happen with alarming frequency. The numbers have grown dramatically since this post was first written. In 2021,...
When the story that ten (10) frail, elderly residents died in a nursing home in Hollywood Hills, Florida following Hurricane Irma made national news, families and friends with a loved one in a facility were forced worry that the facilities charged with caring for their loved ones had no emergency preparedness plans. Most...
Every day, I review contracts that contain arbitration clauses. They are in nursing home contracts, assisted living facility contracts, home healthcare contracts, apartment leases, annuity contracts, documents signed at the doctor's offices, and documents signed to purchase everyday items and services. And, I usually...
After natural disasters, unlicensed contractors and scammers come into the affected areas. Many promise quick repairs, discount prices, or unobtainable results. Be skeptical. It is often impossible for people to promise immediate clean-up and debris removal in the aftermath of disaster. Be aware that many may engage in...
Elder financial exploitation is one of the most underreported crimes affecting older Floridians. It can wipe out a lifetime of savings, destroy a family's trust, and leave a vulnerable person isolated and without resources to pay for the care they need. What makes it so difficult to detect is that it rarely looks like a...
Does your elderly loved one receive a lot of mail - particularly junk mail? This may be a sign that he or she has fallen victim to scammers and identity thieves. What are the most common scams? Sweepstakes & Lotteries: A sweepstakes or lottery scam often looks legitimate. Letters come with seals, signatures and...
Florida has long been at the forefront of protecting its elderly residents from financial exploitation. With more than 5 million Floridians age 65 or older - roughly 21 percent of the state's population - the Legislature has repeatedly strengthened the laws that define exploitation, establish criminal penalties, and give...