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Hello, I’m Frank Bisignano, Chief Executive Officer of the Internal Revenue Service. As we mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I encourage everyone to recognize and celebrate older adults and the value they bring to society.
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in a multi-generational immigrant household. I loved and respected my grandfather. Living with him helped me understand the important contributions older adults make in our communities – through their work, through caring for their families, and simply by the example they set in the way they live their lives.
Our seniors should be honored, not treated harshly or neglected. It’s important for everyone to recognize that elder abuse is a worldwide problem, and it’s up to all of us to prevent it.
Our government agencies can help enhance the lives of older adults. The Internal Revenue Service is a good example. At the IRS, we work every day to make sure older adults know about and claim the tax credits and deductions they qualify for, like the enhanced tax deduction for seniors that provided a benefit to more than 35 million taxpayers this tax season.
The IRS also makes every effort to protect taxpayers from scammers who try to steal personal and financial data. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these scams. It’s important to remember the IRS will never contact anyone out of the blue to demand money or personal information. We won’t make threats or insist people move their money, supposedly to protect it. Anyone who gets a call or message like that should stop and talk to someone they trust, or check out the Federal Elder Justice Coordinating Council’s website on Imposter Scams, before taking action that could put their finances at risk.
So, to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, let’s all do our part. Let’s honor older adults and ensure they are able to live their golden years in peace and free from want. They have spent their lives contributing to the success and vitality of their families and their communities. Now it’s our chance to give back, and support them.