ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Attorneys Discuss Santa Clara County Elder Abuse
Origins of the case
In Santa clara country recently, a scam involving telemarketing and reverse mortages is being brought to court. Several elderly residents were caught up on the complicated scam, and the scam artist, now being tried in court, took about $50,000 dollars in “downpayments” for fictitious low-interest rates that would supposedly allow the seniors to remain in their houses. This scam, like many others, preys on the natural desire of the retirees to keep from being a burden on their families and to leave something to their children and grandchildren. In this case, the scammer was fortunately caught, but the money was still taken and it is unlikely the victims will recoup all the money that was stolen from them.
What does this case tell us?
Our Santa Clara County Elder abuse lawyers tell us this case is a sadly typical case of scammers targeting elder’s saving and homes. Because seniors often own a home, live alone, or are unfamiliar with the methods of modern con artists, they can be seen as east marks. It is important that those close to them form a support system, checking in often to find out about how seniors are doing, if they are making any large investment or purchases, and what their mental status is. Seniors suffering from Alzheimers or dementia are, unfortunately, very commonly targets of financial and/or physical abuse. It can be hard to bring up these difficult subjects with loved ones, but the alternative is to risk their being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals.
What can we do about it?
Like many forms of elder abuse, financial scams like telemarketing, false loans, reverse mortgages, improper financial products, and outright theft, the first and best line of defense lies in talking to and spending time with the elders in your life. When that fails, there are legal remedies. In California, elders enjoy special protections under the law, and those who engage in the exploitation of senior citizens can be expected to suffer additional penalties in both civil and criminal courts. The elder abuse attorneys at the Evans Law Firm in Santa Clara combat this type of abuse every day, and by making full use of legal protections, we can ensure that they stay vital.
Who can you call?
Evans law firm handles elder abuse cases in Santa Clara, the bay area, and throughout California. We are a plaintiff’s firm specializing in financial and physical elder abuse, insurance, annuity, and investment fraud, qui tam and whistleblower cases, and securites fraud. If you think that you or a loved one is being taken advantage of, contact us by phone at (415) 441-8669 or by email at info@evanslaw.com
