Theft is a huge problem in this country. Unfortunately, as elder abuse lawyers, we see too many of our elderly, vulnerable adults being taken advantage of because they are seen an easy target. As a whole, the elderly community is more trusting. They grew up in an era where theft and deception was less common as it is today. Around five million elderly adults are victims of abuse each year and financial abuse specifically is costing them $3 billion annually. There are resources to help you prepare yourself and your loved ones against financial elder abuse.
What is Financial Elder Abuse?
According to eldercare.gov “Financial exploitation happens when someone illegally or improperly uses your money or property for their own benefit. This type of exploitation can be committed by someone you know or a complete stranger.” This can include:
- Taking money or property
- Forging the elderly person’s signature
- Getting the vulnerable adult to sign a deed, power of attorney or will through deception
- Using their property without permission
- Using their credit cards without permission
- Promising care or security for money without intending on fulfilling promise
- Gaining elder’s confidence to con them out of money or property
- Telemarketing scams where predator calls elder and uses deception or false claims to get them to send money
The best way to avoid these scams is to be prepared. The first step is knowing what financial abuse is and who is likely to commit these crimes. We will be following this post with several more to educate you on this form of elder abuse and the best ways to prevent yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to those looking to take advantage of your trusting nature.
Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If you or your loved one has suffered financial abuse, negligence, and inadequacy it’s time to contact elder abuse lawyers. The team at Messa & Associates is dedicated to earning justice and compensation for those injured or worse by negligence and abuse in nursing homes and long term care facilities. Call, toll-free, 1-800-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry. If you would like immediate assistance, click the CHAT LIVE icon to the right. A representative is present right now to answer your questions.
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