In observance of October being Financial Exploitation Awareness Month, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is taking steps to educate Texans on the risks posed to elderly and disabled Texans.

According to Camille Briggs, DFPS' region media specialist, 13,000 allegations of financial exploitation were made across the state in fiscal year 2023, of which 700 were in East Texas.

So DFPS is hosting events all over Texas, including one in Nacogdoches next week, to educate elderly and disabled people about the risks of being financially exploited.

Tracey Belin serves as a faith-based community engagement specialist for Adult Protective Services (APS), a division of DFPS. According to Belin, oftentimes older people and people with disabilities are more susceptible to defrauders and scammers because they are less cynical, more trusting and more willing to see the good in everyone.

"Many folks are unaware of their own financial state, making them easier prey," Belin said. "How much is in your bank account, your debit card number, those are things you should remain aware of."

For example, a common scam is strangers posing as government agents with Medicare or the IRS demanding money over the telephone. Belin wants readers to know that government entities communicate by mail, not by telephone.

But it's not always strangers who conduct these financial scams against the elderly. In fact, family members represent a large share of perpetrators.

People should be mindful and serious about who they can and cannot trust, according to Belin.

"Look at the spending from your account to see if it matches your patterns. Is there a check missing from your checkbook?" Belin said.

Belin added that people should never sign anything without fully reading and understanding it. If someone has any questions about a document, reach out to an attorney to look at it.

If someone believes he or she has been financially exploited by a family member, Belin says to call Adult Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400. If a stranger is the perpetrator, call local law enforcement.

"Be mindful. It's important to report whatever you know," Belin said.