Elder Abuse Scams Exposed: Power of Attorney Misused

A recent investigation has uncovered a disturbing trend of elder abuse in Malta, with three separate cases involving the misuse of power of attorney to financially exploit vulnerable seniors.

The Scams

Case 1: Family Ties Betrayed

An 85-year-old widow, Mrs. Vella, was persuaded by her eldest son to grant him a general power of attorney. Unbeknownst to her, he used this authority to secure a loan against her property, putting her financial security at risk.

Case 2: Niece’s Abuse

A 78-year-old spinster, Mrs. Cassar, granted her niece a power of attorney to manage her finances. The niece misused this authority by withdrawing large sums from her aunt’s bank account without her knowledge or consent, using the money to fund her own expenses and eventually buying a property.

Case 3: Romance Scam

A 75-year-old woman, Pawla, was duped into sending thousands of dollars to a fake online suitor, Bobby Smith, who claimed he needed the money for flight tickets and a deposit on an apartment. Despite her daughter’s warnings, Pawla continued to send him money, unaware that she was being scammed.

The Consequences

Experts warn that these cases are not isolated incidents and that elder abuse is a growing concern in Malta. “The misuse of power of attorney can have devastating consequences for vulnerable seniors,” said a spokesperson for the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit. “It’s essential that we educate ourselves on how to protect our loved ones from financial exploitation.”

How to Protect Yourself

• Be cautious when granting powers of attorney
• Ensure that powers of attorney are specific and limited in scope
• Monitor bank accounts regularly for suspicious transactions
• Report any suspected elder abuse to the authorities

It’s time to take action to protect our seniors from financial exploitation and ensure they can live their golden years with dignity and peace of mind.