AARP Virgin Islands State Director Troy De Chabert-Schuster will testify before the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands on July 17 in support of Bill No. 36-0192, the Senior Financial Protection and Promissory Note Abuse Prevention Act, legislation aimed at strengthening protections for older adults against financial exploitation.
Representing more than 22,000 AARP members across the Virgin Islands, De Chabert-Schuster will urge lawmakers to advance the legislation, which seeks to address situations in which promissory notes and other financial agreements are obtained through fraud, deception, coercion, or undue influence.
“Financial exploitation is not simply the theft of money—it is often the theft of independence,” said De Chabert-Schuster. “Older Virgin Islanders deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing the savings, homes, businesses, and assets they spent a lifetime building are protected from abuse and exploitation.”
AARP is supporting the measure because financial exploitation can have devastating consequences for older adults and their families. Victims often lose not only financial resources but also stability, confidence, and their ability to live independently.
According to AARP, financial exploitation frequently begins with trust. Whether involving a family member, caregiver, acquaintance, or other trusted individual, the harm often occurs long before warning signs are recognized. By the time many victims realize what has happened, significant financial damage has already occurred.
The organization commends Senator Alma Francis Heyliger for introducing the legislation and bringing attention to an issue that too often remains hidden until it is too late.
“Protecting financial security is essential to protecting independence,” De Chabert-Schuster said. “This legislation recognizes the importance of putting safeguards in place before devastating losses occur.”
In his testimony, De Chabert-Schuster is expected to emphasize that Bill No. 36-0192 represents an important step forward while also encouraging lawmakers to consider measures that strengthen coordination among financial institutions, Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, healthcare providers, legal professionals, and other trusted
community partners working to identify and prevent financial abuse.
AARP believes protecting older adults from financial exploitation requires a collaborative approach involving government agencies, community organizations, financial institutions, caregivers, and the public.
“Every Virgin Islander deserves the opportunity to age with dignity, security, and independence,” said De Chabert-Schuster. “By strengthening protections against financial exploitation, we can help preserve the financial futures of older adults and the families who depend on them.”
AARP Virgin Islands encourages residents who support stronger protections for older adults to follow the Legislature’s consideration of Bill No. 36-0192 and join efforts to raise awareness about financial exploitation in the territory.
