Elder Law

While Economy Struggles, Elder Financial Exploitation is on the Rise

By Levin & Perconti

Advocates for the elderly are seeing more cases of financial exploitation of senior citizens as the recession wears on. This elder abuse ranges from taking advantage of an aging relative to fraud. One victim was financially exploited by her at-home care giver. The problem is that older Americans tend to have steady incomes and trusting hearts. Victims are also afraid to report elder abuse. There are many signs that a senior is being financially exploited. They include:
? Unusual bank activity, including withdrawals at ATMs the senior does not live near
? Signatures on checks and documents that do not match the senior?s signature
? Unexplained changes in spending patterns or unusual purchases
? Sudden change in who has power of attorney

To read more about financial exploitation, please click the link.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on August 15, 2009 (boomark / email).