Consumer Fraud and Abuse Protection for Seniors
People of all ages constantly purchase goods and services --- houses, cars, clothing, personal services, medical care, food, and so on. Being a knowledgeable consumer has a positive impact on one=s economic well-being. While most companies and businesses are legitimate, some are unscrupulous. It=s estimated that telemarketing fraud costs Americans $40 billion a year and Georgians about $500 million a year. In addition to telemarketing fraud, there are scams and swindles connected to home repairs, contests and sweepstakes, charity drives, investment offers, insurance, and health care. Many of these scams are targeted to older adults. In Georgia the Secretary of State=s office, the Governor=s Office of Consumer Affairs, and the Attorney General are coordinating resources to provide protection for Georgia consumers to stamp out telemarketing and other types of consumer fraud.
By: Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services
The Georgia Statutory Financial Power of Attorney During the 1995 Georgia General Assembly, the Legislature voted to establish within the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, at ' 10-6-140, a statutory form for the Financial Power of Attorney. The form that is set out in the statute may be used to create a Financial Power of Attorney. This form is merely a suggestion and is not the only form permitted to create a Financial Power of Attorney.
The information attached includes an explanation of the Financial Power of Attorney, cautionary language to those considering giving someone power over their financial affairs and instructions for completing the statutory form. Finally, attached is a copy of the form substantially the same as the form which appears in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
By: Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services
The High Cost of Payday Loans
(Separate Website)
Payday loans go by a variety of names, including "deferred presentments", "cash advances", deferred deposits", or "check loans", but they all work in the same way. The difference between the amount of the check and the amount of cash the customer gets in return is interest or a loan fee that the lender is charging. These types of short-term loans are always very expensive.
By: National Consumer Law Center
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse affects people of all backgrounds without regard for social status, income, sex, or race. Four to ten percent of elders will be a victim of abuse. Elder abuse is grossly underreported and investigated. Victims are often ashamed and fear reporting their abusers. In addition, victims often do not know where to find help. This brochure is aimed at providing information and resources for victims as well as defining laws pertaining to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society
What To Do If You've Become The Victim Of Telemarketing Fraud
(Separate Website)
Americans lose an estimated $40 billion each year due to the fraudulent sales of goods and services over the telephone. The elderly are frequently targeted. Studies have shown that fraudulent telemarketers direct anywhere from 56% to nearly 80% of their calls at older consumers. It is often difficult to recover money lost to a telemarketing scam. Even so, there are several practical actions that you can take to minimize losses and avoid future scams.
By: National Consumer Law Center
What You Should Know About Refinancing
(Separate Website)
Refinancing is a process in which you pay off one or more existing debts with a new home loan. If you have perfect credit, refinancing is sometimes a good way to obtain a lower interest rate or to convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate. However, if you are in the midst of financial difficulties, if you have too much debt, or if you have bad credit, refinancing is loaded with pitfalls. We recommend that you be very careful when refinancing debts. Many refinancing loans hurt consumer. Here are twelve things to consider before refinancing.
By: National Consumer Law Center
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LegalAid-GA is a project of Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Georgia Legal Services Program and the Pro Bono Project of the State Bar of Georgia. The project is funded by the Legal Services Corporation and the Georgia Access to Justice Project.
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