GERO 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Email Fraud, Estate Planning, Credit Card Fraud
Document Summary
Guardianship is a relationship created by state law in which a court gives one person or entity (the guardian) the duty and power to make personal and/or property decisions for another (the ward). Guardians are given the power to make decisions regarding a person"s health, lifestyle and well being. Elderly in guardianship courts are afforded fewer rights than criminal defendants. Courts often do not have much evidence that guardianship is needed. Under guardianship, an individual can no longer receive money or pay bills, marry, or choose where to live. Congress, national advocacy groups, and the media have increasingly highlighted the use of guardianships and conservatorships as a means to further exploit older persons. Some guardians have very significant issues themselves and poor qualifications. Poor data management make the guardianship system primed for further abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders. Older people can be very good targets for fraud because they have: Victims fear embarrassment and loss of control.
