The Financial Elder Abuse Checklist: What To Look For

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 2 min read

California Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven C. Peck states ” the following items are indicative of financial elder abuse and should be brought to the attention of the local authorities or an expereinced elder abuse attorney immediately”:

F1
Senior reports being a victim of financial exploitation

F2
Living Will or Living Trust with suspect as executor/trustee

F3
Signatures on some documents unlike victim’s

F4
Victim’s signature on documents that were signed/dated when victim was unable to write

F5
Victim coerced into signing a contract, will, etc

F6
Victim’s signature forged on documents; inancial transaction documents

F7
Disappearance of jewelry, large ticket items, or antiques

F8
Victim’s signature forged on documents transferring title(s) to real or personal property/possessions

F9
Victim cannot explain or understand documents created for victim to sign

F10
Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents

F11
Recent actions (granting Power of Attorney or changing/creating a will) when the victim is not capable of making informed decisions

F12
Missing funds or personal belongings

F13
Misuse of money or possessions

F14
Improper actions taken under POA/conservatorship/guardianship

F15
Numerous unpaid bills/overdue rent when a surrogate has been delegated responsibility to ensure payment

F16
Checks cashed or ATM withdrawals made without authorization/permission

F17
Sudden or unusual banking activity, including switching banks, adding names to account, large withdrawals (especially if made by person accompanying victim), ATM activity by a homebound victim

F18
Victim no longer receives bank statements

F19
Recent acquaintances declared great affection for the victim and then isolated the victim from friends and/or family

F20
Recent acquaintance promised life-long care in exchange for deeding property and/or assigning assets to the acquaintance

F21
Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to manage elder’s affairs and possessions

F22
Unexplained/sudden transfer of assets to a relative (especially recently appearing relative) or someone outside the family

F23
Family member or caretaker provides services that are unnecessary

F24
Person other than a caregiver exercises control over victim by isolating victim from friends and family

F25
Victim’s living situation and/or level of care not commensurate with available financial resources

F26
Unusual concern by caregiver that an excessive amount of money is being expended on the care of the victim

F27
Implausible explanation for lack of amenities (TV, personal grooming items, appropriate clothing, etc) that the estate can well afford.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.