The Queen Creek Independent reports in the article “New Arizona law helps protect vulnerable adults, seniors from financial exploitation” that Senate Bill 1483 went into effect at the end of August.
The new law lets securities dealers and investment advisory firms report suspected or attempted financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and delay a questionable disbursement or transaction.
The new law lets these financial firms impose an initial delay of disbursements from an eligible adult’s account for up to fifteen business days, if financial exploitation is suspected.
The firms must report the delay within two business days to the Commission or the Department of Economic Security—Adult Protective Services. The government can then extend the delay for an additional ten days or longer.
If additional delay is required, a judge can extend the time even further.
It’s important to note that the law provides immunity from administrative or civil liability to qualified individuals for taking preventative actions that are permitted under the law.
The 2010 Investor Protection Trust Elder Fraud Survey reports that one out of every five citizens over the age of 65 has been a victim of financial fraud.
Arizona’s new law aims to help protect individuals who are over 65 years old or who are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by others, due to a physical or mental impairment.
“Protecting senior investors has long been a top priority for the Corporation Commission,” Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Bob Burns said in a news release.
“Early detection and reporting of financial exploitation are critical to help prevent elder financial abuse and the devastating financial and emotional impacts that ensue.”
Reference: Queen Creek Independent (September 16, 2019) “New Arizona law helps protect vulnerable adults, seniors from financial exploitation”
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