Prosecutors testify in support of McCaslin bill to protect elderly from scams

February 23, 2009

OLYMPIA…Sen. Bob McCaslin’s legislation targeting scam artists has gotten a boost from the organization representing county prosecutors. Senate Bill 5380 would extend the statute of limitations for first- and second-degree theft to the time that a theft is discovered when the discovery was hampered by ongoing efforts by the defendant to conceal the crime through fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.  

“Until a person goes to access his or her money, that person doesn't know it’s not there,” said Tom McBride of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, testifying Friday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We are having some genuine problems with cases that should go forward.” 

McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley, wants to give law enforcement and prosecutors a tool they need to put clever scam artists in jail. Under Washington law the statute of limitations runs three years from the commission of the crime.  

“It's no secret that the elderly are victims of scam artists more than most,” McCaslin said. “Many elderly fall victim to scams that seem to be very legitimate at the time, and often, the victims may not even realize that they have been swindled for years, if at all. 

“The more devious and clever the scam artist, the more likely it is they will be able to avoid getting caught within the current three year limit.”  

According to a 2000 report by the Federal Trade Commission, there are almost 15,000 criminal organizations trying to scam the elderly. More than $40 billion is stolen through their scams each year, and seven out of 10 of these criminal acts will target senior citizens. 

“When people lose their life savings or their property through a phony investment, the damage is often not only financial, but psychological. Victims, especially among the elderly, often lose the ability and confidence to live on their own. These victims deserve a measure of justice,” McCaslin said.  

Wednesday is the last day for the Judiciary Committee to act on SB 5380 this legislative session.