For Immediate Release:
April 23, 2008

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office Of Public Information
(573) 751-6062

Officials Unveil Second Phase of Project to Stop Exploitation of Disabled and Elderly Everybody Loves Raymond Star Doris Roberts Helps Spread Message

JEFFERSON CITY –Missouri officials today unveiled the second phase in a project designed to help prevent a fast-growing crime—financial exploitation of the elderly and disabled. MOSAFE (Missourians Stopping Adult Financial Exploitation) offers a training kit to seniors and the public, including a DVD, to help them spot the warning signs of financial exploitation and take steps to prevent it. Financial exploitation occurs when someone illegally uses another person’s money or property for profit or gain. 

Gov. Matt Blunt introduces the new DVD by alerting seniors to the seriousness of financial exploitation.

“Protecting vulnerable Missourians from this fast-growing crime is one of the most important responsibilities of my office,” Gov. Blunt said. “We must stop those who prey on seniors and the disabled and prevent the theft of seniors’ life savings.”

Five-time Emmy Award-winning actress Doris Roberts, best known as the nosy, insufferable Marie Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond, narrates the new DVD.  The DVD is the second one offered by MOSAFE.  The first video debuted in 2005 and provided training to financial institutions to help them recognize and report suspicious behavior by their customers and help prevent or intervene in cases of financial abuse. 

Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, in his role as Missouri’s Official Senior Advocate, explains the vulnerable nature of this personally intrusive crime.  “Most financial exploitation cases are not reported because of the emotional bond between the victim and perpetrator. The typical victim is an elderly female who lives alone and is too confused or ashamed to report the crime.  The typical perpetrator is one of her adult children.” 

The new DVD features real-life cases of financial exploitation portrayed by actors from Jefferson City’s Little Theater and DHSS employees.  From within Missouri’s coffee shops, homes and financial institutions, you will meet Uncle George and his nephew Michael, who insists that Uncle George sign over his Social Security checks to cover Michael’s failing business. In another scenario, Ted, and his girlfriend, Anne, steal a blank check from a woman in Anne’s care.  After writing the check for a generous amount, the couple cruises to the local bank hoping for some easy cash.

Jane Drummond, director of DHSS, said the department is concerned about situations it has investigated where the elderly and disabled have been financially exploited. “The consequences of financial exploitation are devastating for anyone, but the elderly, unlike the young, do not have 15 or 20 more income-earning years to recover,” said Drummond. “Once an elderly person’s home or bank account has been lost or looted, these assets are generally irreplaceable.”

A brochure and slide show accompany the DVD, to supplement the training for seniors and the public.  The department and a host of private and public partners, including financial institutions, law enforcement and Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging, hope that increased public awareness will assist in stopping financial exploitation from destroying thousands of lives. 

AARP, Missouri’s financial institution associations, and the Missouri Alliance of Area Agencies on Aging sponsored MOSAFE.  The MOSAFE DVDs are uniquely designed so they can be customized for use by other states.  They, and their accompanying training materials, may be accessed at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/MOSAFE/.

Additional senior advocacy information can be accessed through the Lt. Governor’s Web site at http://www.ltgov.mo.gov/.