ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Financial Exploitation of Elders: A Crime on the Rise
Financial Elder Abuse
The elderly population in America is steadily growing, as our baby boomers become senior citizens. In fact, about 10,000 individuals turn 65 every single day, which is making “elderly” a very steadily-increasing sector of our population. Yet, sadly, with more elderly individuals, comes more abuse, and financial elder abuse is something that seems to only be increasing as the years pass. Justice Department reports indicate that 1 in 10 seniors will fall victim to financial elder abuse. That number is very likely understated as much elder abuse in this country goes unreported. The Alameda County financial elder abuse attorneys at Evans Law Firm Inc. have experience representing the victims of financial elder abuse against unscrupulous insurance agents and financial advisors, caregivers, con artists, and even family members. If you or a loved one is a victim of elder abuse in Alameda County or elsewhere in California call us today at 415-441-8669 and we can help.
What Financial Elder Abuse Looks Like
Financial elder abuse looks different in every case. However, it is important to understand what it can look like so that you are able to prevent it happening to yourself or your loved ones. We find that oftentimes, the abusers tend to isolate the elderly individual from their family members and friends. This creates a false sense of trust, and it can lead the elder to believe that the individual isolating them is the only one who cares for them. Another common sign of potential elder abuse is a general lack of control of their finances. Maybe they can’t explain certain purchases or they are giving all of their prized and expensive possessions to one individual in particular. And maybe someone is taking advantage of them.
How to Prevent it
To protect our vulnerable elderly population, in Alameda County and beyond, we recommend a couple of things. First and foremost, stay actively involved in your senior’s life on a daily basis. Abusers strike quickly. Routinely check bank statements and make sure credit cards and ATM cards are not within the reach of caregivers or strangers in the house. Sift through the purchases and try to pinpoint anything that looks uncharacteristic or odd. Be observant of new friends, family members coming out of the woodwork, or caregivers. Do background checks on anyone hired to help out around the house, especially caregivers. Make sure valuables are hidden and secure. Drop in unexpectedly and encourage old friends to do the same. Call once or twice a day and check in. Always report anything suspicious to law enforcement but keep in mind that while law enforcement may help in getting restitution, there are other remedies available to seniors under California law that you should pursue in civil litigation. The Alameda County financial elder abuse attorneys at Evans Law Firm can help.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one been the victim of financial elder abuse in Alameda County, or in any California county, contact the Evans Law Firm financial elder abuse attorneys at (415) 441-8669, or by email at <a href=”mailto:info@evanslaw.com”>info@evanslaw.com</a>. Our attorneys have experience with complex financial contracts and large insurance companies. We can help guide your case through a jury trial or toward an equitable settlement. We handle cases involving physical and financial elder abuse, qui tam and whistleblower law, nursing home abuse, whole life insurance and universal life insurance, and indexed, variable, and fixed annuities.
