Police investigated three similar frauds that took place between 2010 and 2012 where the suspect allegedly targeted the elderly men and gained their sympathy to obtain money. It was reported that after meeting and forming a friendship with the men, the suspect would allegedly make emotional pleas for financial assistance, and make assurances that the loans would be repaid upon receipt of funds from another individual. The friendships were not romantic or sexual in nature.
The men who were aged 84, 76, and 84 years-old, reported the frauds to police when their families learned of the extent of the financial losses and came to the realization that the loans would not be repaid. To date, none of the funds have been repaid, which has had a significant impact on two of the three men involved.
Wendy Curran, 43, is charged with fraud over $5,000 (x2) and fraud under $5,000 (x1). The accused will appear in court on June 21, 2013.
“In 2012, the EPS Elder Abuse Intervention team investigated 236 elder abuse files and approximately 75 per cent of the abuse was financial,” says EPS Acting Insp. Sean Armstrong. “This includes the misuse of a senior’s funds or property through fraud, trickery, theft or force. These files are often forwarded to the team due to their complexity and the need for intervention from multiple agencies. With our growing seniors demographic, it’s crucial that we all look out for these vulnerable members of our community and report abuse immediately to police.”
If you or someone you know is the victim of elder abuse, please contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
The United Nations has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. For more information on elder abuse, please visit http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CommunityPolicing/FamilyProtection/ElderAbuse.aspx.