ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Accused of Befriending Elder Customer To Exploit Him Financially
Alleged Efforts To Defraud Man Out of Hundreds Of Thousands
Third-Party Investigation Continuing
We often write about how seniors may be financially exploited from all kinds of persons – caregivers, insurance agents, stockbrokers, financial advisors, trustees, persons with power of attorney, conservators, contractors and others. A recent arrest raises financial elder abuse allegations against a government employee. Whoever the wrongdoer, Evans Law Firm, Inc. represents senior victims of financial elder abuse, and their families, in Los Angeles and throughout California. We pursue all remedies available to the injured senior including double damages and payment of attorneys’ fees and costs for having to bring suit to get the injured party’s money back. Cal. Probate Code § 859 (double damages); Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15657.5 (mandatory attorneys’ fees and expenses in financial elder abuse cases). Anyone assisting the wrongdoer in financial elder abuse is also guilty of financial elder abuse under the law. Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15610.30 (definition of financial elder abuse includes anyone assisting in the wrongful taking of a senior’s property). If you or a loved one is a victim of financial elder abuse in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, call our lawyers today at (415)441-8669. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).
Government Credit And Collections Manager Arrested[1]
A credit and collections manager at a government agency has recently been accused of trying to defraud an elderly man out of his money. Police have arrested the man and his wife on suspicion of elder abuse and other charges. A Police Department investigation started months ago after authorities said the victim reported the fraud. Police accused the suspect of trying to control the victim’s finances in an apparent effort to defraud the victim out of “hundreds of thousands of dollars.” Police said the suspect and the victim met back in May 2021 while the victim sought help with his water bill. The suspect, who acted as credit manager at the water agency, allegedly befriended the victim and made efforts to control his finances, according to police. Multiple search warrants were obtained and served during the investigation. Ultimately, the suspect was arrested and booked on arrest warrants that included charges of burglary, financial elder abuse and embezzlement. The suspect’s wife was also arrested on charges of financial elder abuse and embezzlement. Police are continuing to search for any other persons that may have been victims of the two.
Protecting Loved Ones From Financial Elder Abuse
Fortunately, the victim himself was able to report what was happening to him on his own. Not all seniors are cognizant of their financial affairs, and may not be aware of how they are being exploited. That’s where family and friends come in. If you are a family member of an older loved one the best way to protect them from the kind of fraud described in the reported case is to stay involved in their lives and financial affairs and constantly monitor all bank and investment accounts. Never, ever, allow a senior to give a power of attorney to a caregiver or new “friend” who enters their life under the guise of helping them. Trace where their funds are being invested and carefully review statements to see if they have been doctored or otherwise appear suspicious. Make sure their Social Security and other pension benefits are being deposited into their own account and have not been diverted elsewhere. Keep hard copies of all bank and investment firm records. You may need them as banks only keep records for seven years. Closely examine all bills that are being paid directly from any account to make sure they are your loved one’s bills and not the bills of someone else who has given the account information to their own creditors for bill payments. Accompany any older loved one to any business meetings so that they are not sold an unsuitable investment or insurance product or coaxed into signing blank forms or checks under the pressure of a broker or agent.
Contact Us
Ingrid M. Evans represents victims of financial elder abuse in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California contact at (415) 441-8669, or by email at <a href=”mailto:info@evanslaw.com”>info@evanslaw.com</a>. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).
[1] Evans Law Firm, Inc. is not involved in the case in any way.
