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Stranger in the house

Most home health aides offer vital care to the frail and aged. But some have other designs, leaving too many clients vulnerable to theft and worse. It is a crisis largely unseen, one which state authorities have done little about.

Deborah Lesco estimates she lost more than $20,000 in bank withdrawals and unauthorized credit card charges over a four-month period in 2016 after hiring a home health aide.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/File 2017