LAW OFFICE OF GEORGE F. DICKERMAN3879 Brockton Avenue
Riverside, California USA 92501
Tele:
(951) 788-2156 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (951) 788-2156 end_of_the_skype_highlightingFax: (951) 788-0906
Elder Law Newsletter
Recognizing the signs of financial elder abuse is relatively easy. What's required, is someone who cares enough to get involved. Many well-intentioned friends and neighbors may shy away from any involvement, for fear that they may become accused of intermeddling in family affairs. However, there are many agencies that can be contacted, anonymously, and will investigate allegations of abuse.
Adult Protective Services can provide such assistance. If they find compelling evidence of financial abuse, then they may contact the District Attorney's Office and request further investigation. If the elder appears incapacitated, then a referral from APS can be made to the Public Guardian's Office to determine whether a conservatorship is warranted.
These are just some of the tell tale signs of financial abuse to look for:
- A review of bank statements and checks that show unusual activity such as sudden withdrawals of large sums.
- Numerous ATM withdrawals, particularly when the elder has never used such a debit card.
- Numerous checks written to "cash".
- Signatures on checks that don't match the elder's signature.
Suspicious activity could also include a newly created will, trust, or financial power of attorney. Life insurance paperwork or bank documents that indicate a change of beneficiaries are also indicators of wrongdoing.
A key element of such abuse is "isolation". When a caregiver or family member consistently refuses to allow visitation, then a red
flag warning should go up. If abuse is occurring, the last thing a perpetrator wants is to allow someone to have access and possibly discover the abuse.
Prevention occurs when concerned family members, friends and other loved ones get involved with the elder's life and provide assistance. No one wants another to pry into personal financial affairs; however, with good intentions and focusing solely on the best interests of the elder, most will accept such help when needed. Most counties have Area on Aging offices that offer free assistance and can provide other services or resources to prevent future problems from occurring.
When abuse has already occurred, then quick action must be taken to stop the financial bleeding. Immediately contact the relevant financial institutions, law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, and/or an attorney. Many states have "mandated reporter" laws that require, for example, bank employees, medical personnel, and a variety of other persons to report to law enforcement any reasonable suspicion that abuse is taking place.
Recognizing the signs of elder financial abuse makes it easier to take precautionary steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place. As the saying goes, the best offense is a good defense.
