Our San Diego Financial Elder Abuse Attorneys Seek Justice

Americans are living longer than in the past, which means the U.S. population is rapidly aging. It is estimated by the year 2030, approximately 21% of Americans will be 65 or older. There are many challenges that come with an aging population, including one that many people don’t think much about: financial elder abuse.

If you have an older person in your life who has been financially abused or exploited by a family member, caregiver or someone else with access and influence, our financial elder abuse attorneys at the law firm of Frisella Neilson, APC, are ready to help you seek justice and compensation on their behalf. They have decades of combined experience in estate law and litigation, and have become trusted advocates for seniors throughout California.

Financial Elder Abuse Takes Many Forms

We have all heard horror stories of seniors losing money to telemarketing scammers and internet fraudsters. The criminals behind these scams can be hard to catch, as many operate outside the United States. But the sad truth is that seniors are often financially abused and exploited by others close to them – people they thought they could trust.

Common examples of financial elder abuse include:

• An adult family member forging checks or making unauthorized bank transfers to themselves from the senior’s account
• A caregiver or nursing home staffer tricking an adult with Alzheimer’s into giving them money
• A family member exerting undue influence to change the senior’s will and give them a larger inheritance
• A trustee breaching their fiduciary duty and embezzling trust assets
• Someone using their position as conservator or power of attorney to misappropriate the senior’s assets

Most acts of financial elder abuse are crimes which can and should be prosecuted. Unfortunately, prosecution alone will do little to compensate the victim. That’s where we come in. Our financial elder abuse attorneys utilize decades of litigation experience to hold the at-fault party or parties responsible in civil court, pursuing maximum restitution and compensation on behalf of the senior who was wronged.

Recognizing The Red Flags Of Elder Financial Abuse

As our population ages, elder financial abuse is becoming increasingly prevalent. It is crucial to recognize the warning signs of financial exploitation to protect your elders and secure their financial well-being.

Here are some indicators to watch for:

• Unexplained or sudden financial account changes: Look for unexpected withdrawals, transfers or changes in account ownership, as they may indicate unauthorized access or manipulation of your loved one’s finances.
• Excessive or unusual gifting: Be cautious if your loved one makes unusual or excessive gifts, especially to caregivers, friends or new acquaintances.
• New friends offering advice: Be wary of new people becoming involved in your loved one’s financial decisions to help ensure they are not exerting undue influence for personal gain.
• Multiple withdrawals or transactions: Frequent or large ATM withdrawals and credit card transactions, especially at unusual times or locations, can indicate financial exploitation.
• Unpaid bills or collection notices: Keep an eye out for overdue bills, collection notices or creditor harassment to help prevent someone from mismanaging or stealing your loved one’s funds.
• New spending or lifestyle patterns: Sudden changes in spending habits or lifestyle, such as purchasing expensive items or frequent travel, could indicate that someone is exploiting your loved one financially.
• Unusual or secretive behavior: Pay attention to evasive behavior, such as hiding financial documents or avoiding discussions about money – it may mean another person is trying to conceal financial exploitation.
• Abrupt changes in legal documents: Unexplained changes in wills, trusts or powers of attorney can be indicative of undue influence or elder financial exploitation.
• Suspicious interest in financial matters: Be cautious if a caregiver or adviser appears overly interested in your loved one’s financial affairs, as it could mean they are seeking asset control to line their pockets.
• Financial fear, anxiety or depression: Notice changes in your loved one’s emotional state, such as increased mental difficulties, which can signal financial exploitation.
• Strange or excessive bank or credit charges: Monitoring financial accounts for unusual or excessive fees, commissions or charges can alert you of potentially fraudulent activity.
• Missing financial documents: Keep track of your family member’s financial documents (bank statements, investment accounts, insurance policies, etc) and report any missing or stolen documents immediately.

Recognizing these red flags can protect your loved ones from financial abuse. If you suspect exploitation, the Frisella Neilson, APC, lawyers can help you find a resolution.

Talk To Our Financial Elder Abuse Attorneys

Frisella Neilson, APC, is based in San Diego and we serve clients throughout California. If you or someone you love has been the victim of financial elder abuse, our litigation attorneys are ready to help you fight for justice. To discuss your case and learn more about your legal options, contact us online or call 866-334-2614.