(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., --

It's a local program that's helping people with a problem that spans nationwide, elderly adults being taken advantage of by convincing con artist who often get residents out of their life savings and their peace of mind.

President of the home instead senior care center, Rene Kilborne says the growing population of aging adults is one of the reasons for the increase in scams. Cons who are contacting their unsuspecting victims are finding them on the internet, telephone calls and even door to door shams.

"they've worked a lifetime to get the things that they have and get the money they have and to see them lose it and be left with no way to recover is just very very sad." says Kilborne.

The organization has created a checklist of things they suggest you do to keep from becoming a victim. you can go to their website to find out more about what you need to look for and when you need to contact authorities.

Homeinsteadseniorcare.com