Physical abuse is quickly being surpassed by financial abuse of our elderly population. This common form of abuse is estimated to cost victims $2.6 billion a year. The loss of finances related to scams not only creates a financial hardship for the victim but also take an emotional toll. 

To address the elderly financial abuse issue in the Mammoth Cave area Mammoth Cave Homemakers along with Hart County Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Community Action Financial Planning participates, and the Hart County Safety Team were presented a lesson entitled “Let the Consumer Beware”. This lesson addressed current scams and how to sign up for alerts for future scams, identity theft, consumer laws and rights along with where to go for help should participates or their friends and family fall victim.

 As a direct result of this program 100% now knew where to go to get help with a problem, 99% felt they better understood their consumer rights, 98% learned about new laws protecting consumers in Kentucky and 99% were more aware of the various types of consumer fraud/scams and how to avoid them. Participates also indicated they would be more cautious about giving out personal information such as social security numbers and passwords.