Scammers love to target the elderly because they view them as easy prey. Since older people tend to rely on others to help with their daily needs, they are at great risk to be taken advantage of financially. When a person mistreats or intentionally deceives a person who is over the age of 60, they are guilty of elder abuse. Below, we explain how to spot signs of financial elder abuse and what you can do to stop it.

Signs of financial elder abuse include:

1. Canceled checks or bank statements addressed to a new or unfamiliar person
2. Large withdrawals of money or transfers between accounts that can’t be explained
3. Substandard living conditions, despite having the ability to pay for new things
4. Sudden eviction notices, unpaid bills, or utilities that have been discontinued because of nonpayment
5. Unexplained ATM withdrawals from locations that the senior doesn’t visit
6. Handing over power of attorney and other legal documents to an unfamiliar person
7. New “friends” who show an inordinate interest in how much money the victim is spending
8. Missing property or belongings
9. Obvious forgeries on important legal documents or checks
10. Questionable financial arrangements that lack documentation
11. Implausible explanations regarding their financial situation
12. Lack of understanding about their own finances

What Should I Do If I Spot Elder Abuse?

If you suspect that elder abuse is taking place, immediately confront the scammer and get the authorities involved. File a police report with law enforcement so that everything is properly documented. You should also consult with an attorney to determine what legal actions you can take against the scammer to recover any damages that the elderly individual might have suffered.

Have you spotted signs of elder abuse against a loved one? Contact our Walnut Creek elder abuse attorneys to get started your free consultation today.