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Speeches and Papers by AIC Staff

Misuse of older persons' assets by professionals

Dr Russell Smith
Australian Institute of Criminology

Presented at:
Steps forward for families: research, practice and policy
Eighth Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference
Melbourne
12-14 February 2003

Abstract

Older persons tend to have frequent contact with professional advisers including lawyers, accountants, financial planners and health care providers. This paper examines the risks faced by older persons who have dealings with professional advisers in connection with their assets. It also reviews the various ways in which older persons can deal with financial abuse and the problems that arise when taking official action to recover stolen property. As in other areas of fraud control, it is invariably the case that prevention is preferable to using the legal process to claim compensation or achieve deterrence. (Paper presented at 'Steps forward for families : research, practice and policy', the 8th Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, held in Melbourne from 12-14 February 2003).