The scammers focused on the aging population has become overwhelming and on the rise. 

Americans over 60 are increasingly falling victim to crimes of fraud perpetrated online and over the phone at rates that add up to billions in losses each year, and federal investigators are warning that the scammers are becoming more sophisticated in the ploys they use to get their victims to hand over large sums of money.  

An estimated $28.3 billion is lost to elder fraud scams each year, according to a recent AARP Study. It found that 72% — or more than $20 billion — is taken by individuals who are known to the victims, like family members, friends or advisers. The study says many of the scams that account for the nearly $30 billion lost go unreported, and the FBI is now urging anyone who encounters suspicious activity online to disengage and report the conduct to law enforcement. 

Rich Brune — a 75-year-old retiree living in Virginia —  told CBS News he fell for an online scam last year that cost him nearly $800,000. Sophisticated criminals posing as Microsoft workers contacted him online and told Brune his computer had been hacked, his financial accounts were compromised, and he needed to take urgent remedial action. 

Over a five-month period, the Navy veteran said he was instructed to transfer much of his life savings into a cryptocurrency account that the scammers told him was safe from the purported hackers. Instead, they were robbing him of his nest egg.  

After his money vanished, according to Brune, the Internal Revenue Service informed him that he owed approximately $200,000 in taxes because the money stolen from him had been withdrawn from his retirement accounts.

Crimes Against the Aging Population in America

Provided by https://www.karefactsc.com 
The death of a loved one, particularly when it involves an elder or primary provider, can create profound rifts within a family. Often, these key figures serve as the familial glue, and their passing not only brings grief but can also precipitate chaos and conflict, especially over inheritance matters. This turmoil is exacerbated when the deceased did not leave clear instructions regarding their last wishes.

The emotional toll of arranging a funeral is substantial, but the complexities of estate settlement can transform mourning into a battleground over assets. Disputes frequently arise when individuals believe they are entitled to more, or when some relatives are left out entirely due to the lack of a will or clear directives. The case of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is a poignant example; her failure to leave definitive legal instructions resulted in each heir needing to petition their local state probate court.

This process often involves hiring attorneys and possibly private investigators to ensure all assets are accounted for, further complicating matters if there is no will or trust in place. Probate courts typically appoint an administrator to identify and settle with creditors before any assets can be distributed to heirs. During this time, the 'court crew'—including lawyers and court officials—accumulate billable hours, often necessitating the sale of possessions to cover these and other related costs. Ultimately, the heirs may receive only the remnants after all debts, legal fees, and court costs have been paid.

Moreover, such situations can inflict lasting trauma on families, tearing apart relationships over disputes that could have been avoided with proper planning. It is not uncommon in African American communities, where generational wealth transfer is less prevalent, for families to be left reeling from the double impact of grief and financial strife.

As the aging population grows and the complexities of elder care and estate management become more pronounced, coupled with health risks from dietary choices, the inevitability of death looms larger. It is crucial, therefore, to organize one’s affairs meticulously.

In light of these realities, every individual, particularly those with dependents or significant assets, must prioritize estate planning. This includes drafting a will, setting up trusts where appropriate, and ensuring that all potential legal and financial issues are addressed proactively to spare their families from unnecessary hardship and discord after their departure.

The Damage Caused to Families When there's no Directives in Place.

Please bear with me as I delve into a sensitive subject in this article: the fact that personal beliefs or religion do not override the laws of probate court. Regardless of your faith, without a living will, directives, or a trust, your estate will inevitably fall under court jurisdiction once you pass away. This leaves your family with the burdensome tasks of arranging your funeral, covering the expenses, and potentially watching as your possessions are sold off to satisfy debts to creditors, court-appointed representatives, the state, and any other claimants eager to benefit from your estate. 

This truth might sound harsh, but it’s crucial to face these uncomfortable realities head-on. In our society, it's uncommon to confront such grim truths directly because they can be unsettling. However, addressing them openly can encourage others to prioritize and manage their estate planning more conscientiously.

In my own experience, I have faced the loss of four immediate family members within the last 18 months, the most recent being my brother, who was only 46 and died unexpectedly of natural causes. The shock of his sudden death was compounded by the absence of any directives, insurance papers, or 401(k) documents, which we couldn’t find when we went to handle his affairs. Although he was a conscientious person who responsibly managed his life, the whereabouts of his essential documents remain unknown, which has left our family in a precarious position. Ultimately, my sister took the lead and arranged for his cremation.

Unfortunately, life doesn’t pause for grief, nor does it provide a special budget for death-related expenses, which can range from $10,000 to $40,000 nowadays. Funeral homes, faced with their own costs, may charge high prices, pushing families to make difficult and often costly decisions regarding funeral arrangements, flowers, caskets, and memorial services.

This stark reality underscores the absolute necessity of preparing for the inevitable to spare your loved ones additional stress and financial burden during an already challenging time.

Navigating Grief Without Guidance: The Chaos of Prince's Unplanned Legacy

### Navigating the Challenges of the Sandwich Generation

As we delve into the complexities faced by the sandwich generation—those caught between caring for their aging parents and raising their own children—the urgency for comprehensive elder care reform becomes starkly apparent. As the population ages gracefully into their golden years, many adult children find themselves in the role of caretakers, a transition fraught with emotional and logistical challenges.

A significant concern for this generation is the looming specter of memory loss among the elderly, a condition that complicates caregiving and legal planning. In response, many baby boomers are taking the essential step of securing a durable power of attorney for their parents. This legal instrument is critical as it ensures that in the event a parent is deemed incompetent, a designated family member, rather than state institutions, can make decisions on their behalf.

Unfortunately, the state’s intervention in these matters does not always yield the most humane outcomes. An increasing number of cases reveal that judicial decisions tend to favor placing the elderly in institutions—a solution that often leads to suboptimal care—rather than exploring the possibilities of home-based care where family members can provide love and support.

The decision to move an aging loved one into a nursing home or community-based residential facility is one of the most difficult choices a family can make, particularly when these facilities face significant challenges themselves. Many are plagued by a chronic shortage of compassionate and dedicated staff, leading to instances of abuse and neglect. This not only diminishes the quality of life for our seniors but can also hasten their decline and death, making the care they receive a pivotal factor in their final years.

The state of senior care in America is at a critical juncture. With alarming facts coming to light about the deficiencies in elder care, the need for reform has never been more urgent. It is imperative that we address these issues head-on, advocating for policies that prioritize the health, dignity, and rights of our aging population. Families across the United States are grappling with these realities daily, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our society evolves to provide better care options that respect the wishes and needs of the elderly and their families.

Navigating the Challenges of the Sandwich Generation

Welcome to another engaging episode of "Kare Facts," streaming on the Wake Your Ask Up podcast. I’m your host, Tam Lawrence, a former State of Wisconsin Lobbyist, Media Mogul, and a public relations veteran with 18 years of experience. Today, we delve into a pressing issue: the failure of state agencies to adequately report and respond to dangers reported by families in senior care facilities.



In this episode, we'll discuss a troubling case involving the Department of Aging’s investigation into Cornerstone of Oak Creek. This facility attempted to wrongfully evict my mother. When the eviction failed, Taylor Dean, the office manager, seemingly sanctioned her neglect, leading to staff abuse. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s part of a broader pattern of negligence. We will explore why state-run agencies often defend corrupt, abusive, and substandard nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and community residential-based facilities.



Milwaukee County has a reputation for overlooking these issues, possibly due to a media landscape hesitant to highlight the systemic failures within Wisconsin’s senior care. We will question whether local figures like Mayor Caliver of Milwaukee or Governor Tony Evers might shed some light on these systemic issues. Let’s uncover the truth and push for the accountability that our senior citizens desperately need.



In 2022, my mother resided at Cornerstone of Oak Creek where initially, her stay was satisfactory. However, the sudden appointment of a new office manager, Taylor Dean, marked a downturn in her experience. Dean, hired to resolve previous managerial issues, began her tenure by attempting to remove residents she deemed unfit for the facility, including my mother, issuing an eviction notice right after Thanksgiving. Shocked, I contacted my mother's My Choice caseworker, Carrie Zake, who was equally astonished and immediately reached out to Dean.



Upon meeting with Dean, the eviction was abruptly rescinded under the pretext of my mother's supposedly declining health—a claim which was unfounded. It became evident that the staff was reluctant to care for her due to her requiring more attention than other residents. Dean had explicitly committed to removing my mother from the facility, employing distasteful and dishonest tactics that marred our holiday season.



Frustrated by the ongoing mistreatment, I filed a complaint with the Department of Aging. Despite providing video and audio evidence of the substandard care, the Bureau of Assisted Living concluded their investigation with no substantive findings, which was baffling given the clear evidence.



The situation escalated when my mother allegedly fell in the fitness center under suspicious circumstances shortly after the eviction notice was rescinded. I found her at Oak Creek Hospital, neglected and sitting in her own urine. After cleaning her up and returning to Cornerstone, the staff appeared surprised and unprepared for her return. During an attempt to settle her in, an assistant acted aggressively, exacerbating the hostile environment created by the new management.



Subsequently, my mother contracted coronavirus. With clear evidence from room cameras that her care was being neglected, I found her one evening in a dire state, covered in feces and urine. When I sought help, a staff member dismissively remarked that since she was moving, they were not obligated to provide care.



This series of events highlighted a gross violation of human rights, discriminatory practices, and neglect, all of which were inexplicably overlooked by the State of Wisconsin. The ordeal at Cornerstone of Oak Creek not only inflicted severe emotional distress but also underscored the urgent need for accountability and reform in senior care management.

Cornerstone of Oak Creek: Abuse of Power & the Aging - the State of Wisconsin Denies Complaints

Introducing "Wake Your Ask Up with Tam Lawrence," the thought-provoking podcast that dares to challenge the status quo and ignite change. Join your host, Tam Lawrence, as she fearlessly dives into the depths of societal issues, seeking to wake up the dormant questions that lie within us all. With a captivating blend of insight, passion, and a touch of humor, Tam Lawrence provides a refreshing perspective on a wide range of topics that matter most to us.

In this relaunch kick-off episode, Tam Lawrence fearlessly tackles the theme of failed leadership. With an unwavering commitment to truth and justice, she exposes the flaws and shortcomings of leaders across various domains, exploring the impact of their actions on individuals and communities alike. With compelling stories, engaging interviews, and thought-provoking analysis, this short episode serves as a powerful reminder of the dire consequences that result from a lack of effective leadership.

Prepare to have your assumptions challenged and your mind awakened as Tam Lawrence fearlessly confronts the issues that have long been swept under the rug. "Wake Your Ask Up with Tam Lawrence" is not just a podcast; it's a rallying cry for change, urging listeners to embrace their own power and demand accountability from those in positions of authority. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and motivated to take action like never before.

New tracks tagged #crimes focused on seniors