By IL News Connection
Springfield, IL – Those who steal Social Security checks or defraud Illinois elders and people with disabilities have a better chance of being locked up under a new state law took effect January 1st.
It increases penalties for this type of financial exploitation, in many cases making the crime a Class 1 or Class 2 felony, depending on how much money is involved.
Ryan Gruenfelder with AARP Illinois says most of these cases involve family members or caregivers. "That's why the Illinois Department on Aging and other elder abuse experts say that only about one in thirteen cases of these crimes actually does get reported."
Greunfelder says he understands why elders would be hesitant to report family members for financial abuse - but he says law enforcement and advocates need to help them understand that they don't deserve to be exploited. "This is criminal. Just because someone has control of your money, say in a power of attorney situation, it doesn't mean that that person isn't taking advantage of that person, and stealing their money."
Taking money or property, cashing checks without permission or denying services to save on funds can all be considered financial abuse - and can now land a person in jail in Illinois.
