Tough economic times can also make senior citizens more vulnerable to scams and theft.

One agency says seniors can take steps to try and protect themselves.

The Center for Prevention of Abuse's Senior Services in Peoria says it's getting more complaints about financial exploitation among the elderly. "We've had 648 new cases last year, so that's up from the year before. Typically we are seeing about 225 seniors every month, just in elder abuse program," said Joyce DeRenzy Director of Senior and Residential Services at the agency.

DeRenzy says 80 percent of the financial exploitation cases involve relatives or family members.

That's what happened to Della Moore four years ago when her niece, Anna Marks, stole more than 20-thousand dollars, nearly causing Moore to lose her home.

Moore had suffered four strokes and Marks was responsible for helping her pay her bills. "It's very easy to say that you are going to help someone out who has a hard time managing their money, and it gives you access to their bank account, said Shannon Trulove, a case worker at the Center for Prevention of Abuse.

Senior Services says seniors can get help with money management, and advises them to conduct background checks of personal assistants or hired help and file a police report if you suspect theft of money or assets.

They say seniors facing abuse could find themselves faced with tough choices.

"Someone starts taking 100, 200-dollars a month from you which may not seem like much but it may mean that senior has to decide am I gonna buy my medicine this month," said DeRenzy.

Advocates say seniors must use good judgment when making decisions as to whether or not they should allow financially strapped children or relatives to help manage their money.