Message From Your Public Advocate

Senior citizens are all too often the victims of financial exploitation. Unscrupulous individuals often target the elderly. Sadly, even family members and caretakers sometimes view seniors as easy prey. Historically, there have been few resources specifically designated for the detection, investigation and civil prosecution of financial exploitation of seniors.

In September of 2006, the Legislature created the Office of Elder Fraud and Assistance to address this gap in protection, and address a growing problem statewide. This new section at the Office of Public Advocacy may litigate on behalf of exploited seniors to recover money and property. This office is dedicated to the investigation of complaints involving financial exploitation of older Alaskans and seeking civil remedies on behalf of individuals who qualify for our services and who are otherwise unable to obtain assistance. The office is committed to recovering lost assets from those who would take advantage of Alaska's senior citizens.

To accomplish its mission, the office will be working closely with Adult Protective Services, local prosecutors, the Division of Banking and Securities, the Division of Insurance, the Department of Law, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and local law enforcement officials. In collaboration with these sister agencies, the Office of Elder Fraud and Assistance will be seeking to right the injustices experienced by financially victimized seniors.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you suspect that you, or someone you care about, is being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous individual.

Rachel E. Levitt

We are here to assist you. Feel free to reach out.