I was walking around Yellowknife without a thing on my mindSA国际影视传媒� as usual, eschia (take it easy, eh!)

Suddenly, I ran into a senior who told me to write about people asking seniors for money because he sees it almost every day and he doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 like it.

The guy said people should know that itSA国际影视传媒檚 not right to ask seniors for money, yet they still do it.

I totally agree. Most seniors are on fixed incomes. That means that the only way they get money is from their pensions. Yet, people ask them for somba (money).

It reminded me of one time when I was in A&W. Two seniors were drinking coffee and reminiscing about the SA国际影视传媒済ood old days.SA国际影视传媒� A muscular young guy who was obviously drinking came and stood over them and loudly asked for money. Totally uncool.

He did not use threatening words, but his manner was threatening. There was an awkward silence and one of the seniors finally started digging in his pocket. From a nearby table I said, SA国际影视传媒淵ou shouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 bother Elders for money.SA国际影视传媒� He looked at me, pretended to cough on them, then walked away.

People like that young bully prey on older citizens. Older people are no longer strong, their minds often arenSA国际影视传媒檛 as sharp as once upon a time SA国际影视传媒� and it may be harder to think quickly or to remember all the details.

Also, older people's eyesight and hearing usually gets worse. This makes it harder to read small print on documents or to hear everything a bully or a phone caller says.

ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 why itSA国际影视传媒檚 easier for older people to believe a phone caller telling them things like they won something but need to send money to get it, or they need to send money to help a friend or a relative.

The following information is adapted from a federal governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 website and is called 'What Every Older Canadian Should Know About: Financial Abuse.'

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is when someone uses your money or property without your permission. It includes a person pressuring you for money or property, like that young man standing over the two Elders in A&W.

This is not the only type of financial abuse. We often hear about someone keeping all or part of grandmaSA国际影视传媒檚 money after cashing her pension cheque. Sound familiar?

Well, if the person didnSA国际影视传媒檛 get grandmaSA国际影视传媒檚 permission to keep that money, they can get charged for theft or fraud. They could go to court and maybe even go to jail for keeping grandmaSA国际影视传媒檚 money. Yes.

Financial abuse can include someone pressuring or tricking you into doing things like lending or giving them money, property or other things. They might want you to sell or move out of your home so they can live in it or for some other reason.

They can try to get you to change your will or power of attorney. They may want you to sign legal or financial documents that you don't understand without talking to anyone else about it. Do not do it! 

We often hear about seniors working for little or no money. This abuse includes looking after children or grandchildren, or they can ask you to buy things you don't want or need, or not paying you when you give them food or a place to sleep or live.

Who are the abusers?

When we think of financial abusers, we often think it is mostly done by strangers, but it's usually someone who knows the abused person very well. It could be a friend, spouse, caregiver, son or daughter, relative or your next-door neighbour.

They take advantage of you by talking you into doing what they want, not whatSA国际影视传媒檚 good for you.

Ways to protect yourself

Number one is to keep your financial and personal information in a safe place. And for heavenSA国际影视传媒檚 sake, ask for help if you think someone is taking advantage of you financially.

Always, always write down who you give money to, the date and whether it is a gift or a loan. Be sure to get someone you trust to read contracts and other papers before you sign them. Right on!

If you need to make a big decision about your home or other property, never sign any documents without getting your own legal advice. Be very careful if you open a joint bank account with anyone. The other person can clean out your bank account without you knowing anything about it. Whoa!

Do not become isolated. Keep in touch with family and friends so you have a trusted person to ask for advice.

A good way to protect your money and property is to get a lawyer to draft an enduring or continuing power of attorney. It will legally appoint someone you trust to look after you if you are unable to look after yourself.

DonSA国际影视传媒檛 believe an abuser if they try to convince you that youSA国际影视传媒檙e the one causing the problem.

If you think someone is financially abusing you, ask for help from a family member or someone you trust. You can go to the seniors' centre or ask your bank, doctor or nurse where to get advice and help SA国际影视传媒� or contact the police.

I hope this information is helpful, especially if it pertains to your situation.

For more information go to