Safe from Scams: Fraud targeting the elderly

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Law enforcement officials said crime committed against the elderly is all too common.

Surveillance camera footage of a home health care worker, Cecilia Davidson, purchasing items. The catch-- Davidson is not using her own card. Authorities said she is taking money from one of her elderly clients.

Postal inspectors said Davidson contacted her 94-year-old client's bank and took over the account. "Ms. Davidson, who was supposed to be taking care of the elderly victim, was using the account as her own personal spending account," said Joseph Marcus, US Postal Inspector.

Investigators said the victim, named Lillian, had no idea her account had been compromised. But her bank saw unusual activity and called authorities. "There was a recent order for a debit card, an ATM check card, Lillian had never utilized this sort of banking opportunity before," said Marcus.

More than $200,000 had been taken. Authorities have surveillance from Target and the post office where Davidson bought $12,000 worth of money orders. "Sometimes there is a bad apple, and there was a bad apple in this case," said Karen Turner, Sr. Asst. District Attorney.

Authorities said keeping in touch with our senior citizens is key to preventing them from becoming a victim. "It's very important for us to look out for each other. As far as you know, if anyone is taking advantage of someone. You might not know, and the only way you will know is just by speaking to someone," said Marcus.

Lillian was living on her own, she has now moved in with a nephew. "In Lillian's case she was very fortunate to find a family member who just stepped up and really brought her in, so she's still going," said Turner.

A civil judgment found Davidson guilty and she was been ordered to pay $214,000.