Seniors, vulnerable adults might be exploited for stimulus checks, SC official warns
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued a warning to anyone looking to get their hands on a federal stimulus check intended for a senior or vulnerable adult.
Abusing stimulus money meant for a vulnerable adult is against the law and the attorney general’s office will investigate and prosecute cases of exploitation, Wilson said Thursday in a news release.
Millions of Americans can expect to get their coronavirus stimulus money this week, according to the Treasury Department.
“Many vulnerable adults have family members or someone else handling their money for them, and this additional stimulus money will be a temptation for some,“ Wilson said in the release.
If convicted, the maximum penalty under South Carolina law is five years in prison, according to the release.
Vulnerable adults in South Carolina are protected from abuse, neglect or financial exploitation by the Omnibus Adult Protection Act, the attorney general’s office said.
Any resident of a nursing home, assisted living facility or residential facility operated by the S.C. Department of Mental Health or the S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs is considered a vulnerable adult, according to the release.
All vulnerable adults, whether they’re living in a facility or at a private home, are protected by the Adult Protection Act, Wilson’s office said.
“The law is clear that misuse or misappropriation of any stimulus funds of any vulnerable adult constitutes financial exploitation of the vulnerable adult and may result in investigation and, if appropriate, criminal prosecution,” it said in the release.
Wilson said his office will investigate and prosecute persons who financially exploit “our most vulnerable citizens who reside in nursing homes or other facilities,” and asked anyone suspicious of financial exploitation to contact local law enforcement.
Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service warned about potential scammers trying to get stimulus money.
The IRS told seniors the agency won’t reach out to them for information about their stimulus checks, McClatchy News reported.
