today the state announced a unique program to protect elderly people from fraud. cristina rodda explains how doctors will play a key part in the program. for elderly new mexicans....docto rs could soon be checking for more than just your vital signs. starting this summer -- the state will be training doctors - and other medical professionals -- to look for warning signs of possible financial fraud of their elderly patients. "changes in power of attorney, not being able to pay bills, concern over how money is going to be spent-- whether they have enough money to get through the rest of your life."." new mexico licensing and regulation department director j. dee dennis, jr., says there's a reason the elderly are targeted. "actually the interesting this about this is of the people over 65 in the country they control over 70 percent of the wealth of our nation." here in new mexico-- two major criminal cases of financial fraud featured elderly victims. doug vaughan is facing charges that he stole millions in a ponzi scheme. and samuel mcmaster jr- a proffessional gambler and former insurance agent -- was sentenced to prison this month for scamming hundreds of thousands of dollars primarily from elderly clients. the state is hoping this new program can protect the most defenseless. "dementia and alzheimer's really affect the way that people see these prospects and they don't even know they are being defrauded." cristina rodda - kob eyewitness news four. the program is funded with grant money. it's free for doctors and other medical professionals who want to participate. work on the lead coal
