Elderly need to be prepared for scam artists

Sometimes it seems that for every elderly person with a little money, there's a scam artist trying to take it away.

How sad that we live in such times, but we do. Thus, it is important the elderly educate themselves about those greedy con men and women who would endanger their financial well-being at a crucial time in life.

Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle spoke with the Aging Committee of the Community Caring Council last week, taking time out to explain the risks. The main facts to remember, he said: Don't give out any personal information, and ask for references if someone asks to do work for money.

Swingle also covered the unthinkable: sexual abuse of the elderly. It happens far more than we would like to think.

But there are tough laws to protect seniors in Missouri. If a senior citizen feels one has been violated, he or she shouldn't hesitate to contact the authorities.