FEPC of Tarrant County
FEPC is dedicated to connecting aging adults or adults with one or more physical, development, or cognitive disability, their family and caregivers, with needed services, programs and supports to prevent and protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation.
What is financial exploitation?
Financial exploitation is the illegal or improper use of an adult’s funds or resources for personal profit or gain, whether by a known or unknown person.
tips to help protect you from becoming a victim of financial exploitation
- Keep valuables in a locked drawer or safe, out of plain view. An inventory should be kept in another safe location.
- Obtain your credit report on yourself at least once a year.
- Be aware of telephone, postal and email scams. Don’t be fooled! Do not give out your personal information to anyone you don’t know.
- Never give strangers access to your checks, credit cards or bank account. Review your statements monthly and notify the bank immediately about any irregularities.
- Don’t feel pressured by anyone – even family – to make financial decisions that you do not understand or don’t want to do.
- Do not sign any document or contract that you have not read or do not fully understand.
- Protect your incoming and outgoing mail. Never let your incoming mail stay in an unsecured mailbox with public access.
- Every home should have a shredder! Shred any document containing your personal information.
- Choose your maintenance providers carefully. Obtain multiple written bids for the project and verify the company with the Better Business Bureau and the Contractors State License Board.
Are you or someone you know being exploited?
Questions to ask:
Is someone accessing your accounts without permission?
Is cash or money disappearing from your accounts?
Do you understand the financial decisions someone else is making on your behalf?
Are you confident making financial decisions alone?
Are children or others pressuring you about money?
Are people calling or mailing you asking for money?
Are bills confusing to you?
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
Call our dedicated case manager at 817-720-6556
or CLICK HERE to contact us.
Prevention
Through educational programming and money management services, the FEPC strives to prevent financial exploitation. Supports and services include:
- Bill Payer program
- One-on-one education
- Money Smarts Financial Education group programming
- Budgeting and financial coaching
- Representative Payee Program
Solutions-Based Resources
- Attendant care services
- Benefits and insurance counseling
- Burial assistance
- Case management
- Dementia evaluation and support groups
- Employment counseling and training
- Errand support
- Family and caregiver support and educational programs
- Food
- Health screenings and wellness programs
- Housing navigation
- Hygiene items
- Income tax preparation assistance
- In-home care
- Nourishing meals / companion pet meals
- Respite programs
- Socialization opportunities
- Transit services
- Utility bill and rental assistance
- Veteran’s services
- Volunteer opportunities
PROSECUTION
If you suspect elder financial fraud, or have additional questions about how to protect your finances, these additional resources are available to help.
Your Local Police Department
Report all instances of elder financial fraud to your local police.
Texas Adult Protective Services
Abuse Hotline:
1-800-252-5400
Texas Health and Human Services
If victim is in a nursing home or has a home health provider:
1-800-458-9859
TARRANT county criminal district ATTORNEY
Elder Financial Fraud Unit:
817.884.1400
FEPC COALITION PARTNERS
Seed funding for the FEPC generously provided by the Amon G. Carter Foundation.
Contact Us
We're here to help. FEPC is dedicated to connecting aging adults or adults with one or more physical, development, or cognitive disability, their family and caregivers, with needed services, programs and supports to prevent and protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. Please reach out to us for more information or to speak with someone concerning your situation.