Page 4 - June Newsletter

Enduring Power of Attorneys

One way of ensuring that an older

person’s needs will be met in the future if

they can’t make decisions for themselves

is to set up an Enduring Power of Attorney

now. When older people are considering

setting up Enduring Powers of Attorney or

family trusts, get independent legal advice

before making promises or signing any

documents.

Blended Families

There are particular complications where an older person is part of a blended

family. Anyone re-partnering and trying to sort out their financial affairs is best

to review all their existing financial arrangements. They should be open with
all blended family members about their decisions, to reduce the possibility of

elder abuse coming out of inter-family disputes.

Look out for scammers
Thousands of New Zealanders lose millions of dollars to fraudsters every year.

Netsafe reported that New Zealanders lost NZ$12,512,999 in the first quarter

of 2018 alone. The worst thing you can do is be complacent and think scams

only happen to “stupid” people. Scams can affect anyone. There have been

cases where victims were lawyers, police officers, teachers, professors, and

chief executives.

Be scam-safe

If you get a request on the phone for personal, financial, or banking

information such as pin numbers and passwords, refuse and hang up the

phone. If you get online requests for personal, financial, or banking

information, delete without responding. Don’t give out pin numbers and

passwords. Always keep your pin number and passwords hidden safely from

view. Don’t send money to someone you’ve never met and if you haven't

personally initiated the contact, even if they seem trustworthy.

Sourced from JUNO Autumn 2019 Edition