The Prosecutor's office has created an elder abuse unit dedicated increasing public awareness of crimes against those over 60 years of age and prosecuting those guilty of such crimes.

It's not something we like to think about, someone abusing our seniors. And that abuse doesn't have to be physical, it could be financial. And seniors are reluctant to talk about it.

"Because of that embarrassment, because of that shame, we're not getting those cases in. They don't want to talk about it, they don't want to report it because they are embarrassed. They don't want to admit to their family members that, hey, I got ripped off by somebody," said Scott Spallina, from the Prosecutor's offic..

Seniors are vulnerable and likely targets. They are often homeowners living in older houses in need of repair. That's where the con artists come in.

"They'll go in, promise the world - I can fix your roof, I can fix your fence, you just need to pony up some money. The person does and then you never hear from them again. We will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law," said Spallina.

Seniors generally have a fixed routine. Spallina says to watch for changes in that routine if you're a friend or neighbor of a senior.

"Basically, look for any change in habits. That's the main thing. If you have an elder person in your church and she's not going to church any more. Then start asking questions. If you have someone that's doing yard work all the time and for some reason now, their yard's being over-grown. Be the neighbor. Knock on the door and see if anything's the matter."

Whether it's physical or emotional abuse from a family member or financial abuse from a scam artist, Spallina says the abusers will feel the full weight of the law when they are prosecuted.

"We would fall on them like a ton of bricks. No mercy. We feel that when you're a predator like that - and they are predators - they're criminals, they're predators. They prey on people that are the most vulnerable."

To report any elder abuse, call (808) 832-5115.