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 with

phone. If you get online requests for personal, financial, or banking
information, delete without responding. Don’t give out pin numbers and

password. Always keep your pin number and passwords hidden safely
from view. Don’t send money to someone you’ve met and if you haven't

personally initiated the contact, seen if they seem trustworthy.

Sourced from JUNO Autumn 2019 Edition