TOP TEN TIPS TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF ELDER ABUSE
By Judith B. Raskin, Esq.

1. Arrange for direct deposit of social security and other retirement benefits
   
2. Do not allow anyone to use your ATM card or to know your password.
   
3. Think carefully when appointing a person to act under a power of attorney or when completing or revising your will.
   
4. Be careful about permitting family friends or tenants to live in your home. Have a written agreement about what rent will be paid or what services or chores will be performed.
   
5. Do not lose perspective about household help and home health care aides. Remember they are your employees.
   
6. Be wary of telephone solicitors who promise cash or prizes in exchange for personal information or credit card numbers.
   
7. Do not respond to every charitable request. Try to determine what percentage of the contribution funds the charitable purpose and what portion is spent on administration and solicitations of additional contributions.
   
8. Keep valuables hidden from sight and money in the bank, not “under the mattress.”
   
9. Be very suspicious of get rich quick plans. If it appears too good to be true, it is.
   
10. Maintain contact with family, friends, neighbors and/or your local community center. The more active you are the less likely it is you will become a victim of Elder Abuse.