"People Need To Be Aware," The Reality is it's Very Easy to Steal From Sick and Old People."

By Alejandro Alfonso, STAFF WRITER Article Last Updated: 02/18/2007

CASTRO VALLEY — Dawna Smylie went to Greece with her daughter, bought a car, bought several thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise online and, in total, ran up more than $40,000 in credit card bills by the time she turned herself in to police.

"People need to be aware," said Eileen McAnderew, a senior deputy district attorney with the Alameda County Elder Abuse Unit. "Even with a trusted caregiver, you need to have a system of checks and balances. The reality is it's very easy to steal from sick and old people."

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