ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Manager Depletes Victim’s Bank Account
New Caregiver Discovered Missing Money
Money Taken Over Four-Year Period
Unscrupulous persons with access to a senior’s financial information, bank accounts Social Security numbers, credit cards, checks or cash can take advantage of that access and steal from the older person. When the older persons suffers from dementia or is otherwise unable to keep an eye on their money, the theft may go undetected. Both seniors under the care of in-home caregivers and seniors in care facilities are at risk. Financial elder abuse is a crime and grounds for civil liability for the person taking the money and anyone assisting them. Penal Code § 368 and Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15610.30 (definition of financial abuse). If a senior or dependent person is a victim of financial elder abuse, Evans Law Firm. Inc. can represent the victim and his or her family, and pursue all persons responsible, including anyone assisting in the abuse. We will pursue all available remedies including an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses for bringing suit. Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15657.5. If you or a loved one has been the victim of financial elder abuse in Orange County or elsewhere in California, call us today at (415)441-8669. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).
Facility Business Manager Sentenced For Theft
A recently reported case demonstrates what can happen when a dishonest assisted care facility staff member has access to a resident’s financial information.[1] In the case, the business manager allegedly depleted an 88-year-old resident’s bank account of over $57,000 over a four-year period. Authorities allege that the manager took the money from the account to pay for her cellphone, make her mortgage payments, and purchase items on Amazon. Money transfers allegedly initiated by the manager moved money from the victim’s account to her own, the arrest report said. When the victim left the facility and came under the care of another caregiver, the transfers were discovered and the victim and his new caregiver went to the authorities which led to an investigation and the arrest. The suspect subsequently plead guilty and was sentenced to an 18-month prison term and ordered to pay restitution.
Keeping Loved Ones Safe
When an older loved one enters a nursing home or assisted care facility, the business office will undoubtably have some access to financial information from the checks it receives for payment. But keep the information limited to that and never allow access to more personal information like Social Security Numbers, PINs, or give a blank check for anything. Monitor all of a senior’s credit cards and bank accounts online. Every day. Track where your loved one’s Social Security and pension benefits are being deposited. Every month. Have financial statements mailed to your address so others do not have access to you loved one’s business mail. Never, ever grant a power of attorney or a blank check or a credit or debit card to a caregiver or nursing home staff member. Perhaps most important of all, if you suspect anything wrong, do something about it right away.
Contact Us
If you suspect financial elder abuse of a loved one, friend or neighbor in Orange County, or elsewhere in California, call Ingrid M. Evans at Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669, or by email at info@evanslaw.com. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267). Ingrid pursues all available remedies for families and injured seniors against those responsible.
[1] Evans Law Firm, Inc. was not involved in the case in any way.
