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DECATUR – Representative Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) says there is legislation in place to keep seniors protected from fraud this holiday season.

Earlier this year, Scherer helped pass House Bill 5805, which expanded the statute of limitations on financial crimes against seniors and disabled persons from three to seven years.

“Every instance of fraud or financial exploitation cannot be prevented, but when these crimes do occur there should not be a time limit when prosecuting the criminal,” Scherer explains.

She adds unfortunately scammers often target seniors, and the number of those types of incidents is on the rise.

“Seniors often live on fixed incomes and when their livelihood is stolen from them, the perpetrator should be held accountable,” Scherer says.

For more information on the legislation and fraud protection, contact Scherer’s constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or by email at StateRepSue@gmail.com.