Benefits trafficking is the systematic recruitment, harboring, neglect, and financial exploitation of older and/or disabled adults who receive government benefits such as Social Security or Veterans’ Benefits. Traffickers often pose as kind-hearted individuals offering to provide care for older adults in in-home settings. Once recruited, older adults are stripped of their government benefits, held against their will, moved from location to location, and denied basic needs such as food, clothing, and adequate shelter. This webinar will inform law enforcement and service providers how to recognize and respond to benefits trafficking.

Professionals working with victims of elder fraud often face frustration, especially when older adults are convinced the fraudster is their friend or partner. Convincing older victims that they are experiencing fraud can be extremely challenging. In this webinar, a panel of experts will discuss why this happens and best practices for professionals engaging with victims of elder fraud who defend their offenders. Attendees will also receive resources to share with older adults that support fraud awareness and recovery.