One of the major threats faced by the elderly of the United States, as well as elsewhere in the world, is exploitation. Statistics reveal that 50 percent of all the senior citizens in the country have come face to face with this menace, particularly financial exploitation, but 4 to 15 percent cases were reported to the authorities.

Financial exploitation of the elderly is seen by many as an easy way to make a quick buck, and this threat is looming large over elderly people all over the world. As a form of elderly abuse, this is growing every year and little is being done to safeguard the elderly from these swindlers, since complaints are not being lodged in the first place!

Extortion is punishable by law, and refers to a situation wherein an individual commits an offence by collecting money, some kind of goods or services from another individual, with the help of threats that may cause some kind of harm to his body, his reputation, or his property.

Even though both fall in the category of 'criminal offence' as far as the law is concerned, there is a difference between robbery and extortion; while robbery refers to the criminal act of claiming money or property by using force, exploitation refers to the same act but without using any force. Instead, the person facing exploitation hands over his money or property so as to avoid the harm he is being threatened with.

Exploiting the elderly for their money and property is rapidly becoming a serious threat and the people behind these crimes are often their close family members.

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