New Law Protects Vulnerable Adults from Exploitation

A new state law aims to better protect vulnerable Kansans by making it a crime to financially exploit a dependent adult age 70 or older.

The law defines “mistreatment of an elder person” as taking unfair advantage of the person’s financial resources and personal property, and makes the crime a felony if the value of items taken exceeds $1,000. Legislators heard testimony that the most common perpetrators of financial abuse are family members.

As a member of the Senior Consumer Protection Advisory Council appointed by state Attorney General Derek Schmidt (R), AARP Kansas supported the measure.

If you suspect someone you know is being exploited financially, call the attorney general’s office toll-free at 866-551-6328.