Identity theft is rampant throughout the United States. According to the National Conference of State Legislature, identity theft occurs when “someone uses another person’s personally identifying information, like a person’s name, Social Security number, or credit card number or other financial information, without permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.” Although we hope this never happens to us, it’s even more disturbing when the victim is someone who has placed their trust in the criminal. This scenario recently occurred at an Auburn California recovery center. An elderly man’s caretaker was accused of using a resident’s bank card to make purchases at two local stores.
“Amanda Marie Sinnott, 29, is from Placerville. She was a worker at Westview Healthcare in North Auburn, according to a news release issued Friday by the Placer County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies arrested Sinnott on Wednesday. Her crime was caught on store surveillance, officials said.
The 69-year-old victim realized his bank card was missing and saw that about $1,300 had been taken from his account at two Auburn shops, deputies said.
He called the Sheriff’s Department, deputies reviewed the surveillance video and then showed Sinnott’s photo to her bosses at Westview Healthcare, the release said.
Deputies interviewed Sinnott at work, and then booked her at the Placer County Jail on charges including burglary, committing a financial crime against the elderly, fraudulent use of a bank access card and possession of stolen property, officials said.
Sinnott’s bond is set at $50,000.” – kcra.com
We want to trust those who care for us or our loved ones. Unfortunately, a simple act of trust given to the wrong person can have major consequences. A deceitful caregiver can use information to commit serious fraud. Caregiver fraud is on the rise. Elders and their families need to be on guard and aware of these realities. The following are some signs of caregiver fraud.
- Making purchases or withdrawing from bank accounts on the senior’s behalf
- Making suggestions that involve opening up new financial accounts or transferring money from existing accounts
- Asking permission to access the senior’s will, real estate, investments, or accounts
- Withholding mail from the senior or their family
- Asking for “power of attorney”
If you feel you or a loved one may be a victim of identity theft or caregiver fraud, please contact one of our attorneys at Eason and Tambornini, A Law Corporation today.
