Andrade – Supported Law Aims To Protect Seniors From Fraud

CHICAGO – In an effort to protect seniors and other vulnerable residents from a troubling trend of increased financial fraud, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, is reminding residents of his support of a new law that makes it easier to put criminals behind bars who fraudulently steal from senior citizens or disabled adults.

“If a criminal robs a senior of years of savings and hard work, they should not get off because of a technicality in the law,” Andrade said. “Part of stopping these unconscionable crimes is making sure the individuals responsible face the severest penalties allowed.”

Andrade voted for House Bill 5805, which lengthens the amount of time after a crime occurs that the perpetrator of the crime can be held responsible in a court of law; also know as, the statute of limitations. The proposal changes the statute of limitations from three years to seven for financial exploitation of elderly or disabled persons, or crimes against them involving the theft of more than $100,000 of real or personal property.

Financial abuse of seniors and disabled adults has become one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud, and has dire consequences robbing many individuals of their retirement security. Suspected fraud of senior citizens can be reported to the Illinois Attorney General’s office to the Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Hotline: 1-800-243-5377; 1-800-964-3013 (TTY).

“By bringing stakeholders together and working with senior citizens, nursing homes, and advocates we can best solve the issues that are affecting seniors in our communities,” Andrade said. “I will continue to fight for legislation that protects seniors from fraudulent practices and abuse.”

For more information please contact Andrade’s full-time constituent service office at 773-267-2880 or staterep40@gmail.com.

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