A new bill in the Ohio Senate hopes to cut down on instances of fraud against the elderly.
Senate Bill 158, proposed by Maineville Republican Steve Wilson, would increase not only the punishments for those who defraud the elderly, but also awareness of potential scams and methods of reporting them.
Wilson – a former banker -- says the bill requires employees of financial institutions to report if they suspect a senior citizen is being exploited. Speaking on 90.3’s The Sound of Ideas, Wilson says he hopes the bill will make it easier for banks to protect their clients.
“This gives them the immunities necessary when they report that they feel there is a fraud being perpetrated," Wilson said. "That gives an opportunity for Adult Protective Services to investigate immediately and hopefully stop the fraud.”
The bill, which was introduced in May, has yet to have a hearing in committee.