ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Isolation And Economic Downturn Generate More Financial Elder Abuse
Pandemic Brings Financial Risks Too
How Can You Protect Senior Loved Ones?
As a group, by far the largest percentage of COVID-19 deaths has occurred among America’s senior population. But there is another, more subtle, danger lurking in the pandemic for our elderly – a sharply increased danger of financial elder abuse. Adult Protective Services units throughout California are seeing more and more incidents of financial exploitation of seniors right now. The Alameda County financial elder abuse attorneys at Evans Law Firm, Inc. represent senior victims of financial elder abuse whether from caregivers, financial advisors, insurance agents, trustees, persons acting under Powers of Attorney, girlfriends and boyfriends, second spouses, or others. If you or a loved one has been the victim of any form of elder abuse call us today at (415)441-8669 and we can help.
Signs of Financial Elder Abuse
Our litigators see some common threads among the financial elder abuse cases we handle, and advise you to watch for certain red flags of financial abuse:
• A caregiver or other individual who suddenly appears in a senior’s life and becomes overly involved in his or her affairs.
• New accounts or new banks or brokerage firms that the elder had no prior relationship with.
• Caregivers or others screening a senior’s calls or mail.
• Easy access to personal information like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or estate planning documents.
• Increased cash withdrawals or unusual purchases on ATM or debit cards.
• Online activity concerning financial accounts where senior never previously accessed accounts online.
This list of warning signs is not, of course, all-inclusive and you may detect other suspicious activity, The most important step is to stay involved in your beloved senior’s life and encourage them to stay in touch with friends and social, church or synagogue groups that may always have been central to their lives. If personal visits are still dangerous during the pandemic, call as often as possible and always speak directly to your loved one. Don’t let someone else keep them from the phone. Never ever allow a senior to grant a Power of Attorney to a caregiver. Review bank and credit card statements every month; lock up valuables and important papers. If you suspect any kind of financial abuse or abnormalities, call counsel immediately as financial abusers do not voluntarily stop once they believe they can get away with any abuse or theft.
Contact Us
Ingrid M. Evans and the other Alameda County elder abuse attorneys at the Evans Law Firm represent senior victims and their families against those responsible for any kind of elder abuse. If you or a loved one has suffered financial or physical elder abuse or neglect call us today at (415) 441-8669, or by email at <a href=”mailto:info@evanslaw.com”>info@evanslaw.com</a>.
