Elder Financial Abuse

Tips for Older Adults

Tips for Caregivers

Tips for Professionals Who Work with Older Adults

You can help stop elder abuse.
Silence isn't golden.

If you suspect elder abuse call:
1-800-490-8505

How Professionals LIKE YOU Can Prevent Financial Abuse of Older Adults

Professionals who work in programs for the elderly are in a position to spot financial abuse and help prevent it from occurring. As a professional, you have the unique opportunity to be able to offer support and encouragement to your clients as they take action to end their victimization. Here is how you can help:

1. Train your staff how to recognize and report elder abuse.
2. Sponsor a community education event - Help older adults learn how to avoid becoming a victim of abuse.  Contact the Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force to schedule a program at your locations.
3. Launch an awareness campaign- The Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force offers posters and brochures for you to distribute to your customers and community.

Some Signs and Symptoms of Financial or Material Exploitation of Seniors

• Large cash withdrawals from the elder's bank account
• The elder's withdrawal of a large sum of money from the bank when accompanied by another person
• Numerous withdrawals from the elder's bank account, particularly in round amounts, such as $100 or $500
• Large checks written to unusual recipients
• Names being added to the senior's bank account signature card
• Objects or money missing from the senior's household
• Withdrawals from investments in spite of penalties for early withdrawal
• Abrupt changes in wills, trusts, contracts, the power of attorney, the durable power of attorney, property titles, deeds, or mortgages
• Changes in beneficiaries on insurance policies or IRAs
• Sudden changes in the elder's financial situation
• Home or institutional care that is lacking, despite sufficient funds to cover the care
• Unpaid bills, despite enough assets to cover the payments
• Forged signatures
• Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions
• Financial activity that is inconsistent with the elder's abilities, such as ATM withdrawals when the elder never leaves the house
• Sudden appearance of friends or relatives claiming the right to goods or inheritance
• Sudden close relationship with a much younger, more able person (including marriage or domestic partnership)
• Extreme interest in and participation in the elder's financial matters on the part of the caregiver
• The caregiver has no other means of support besides caring for the elder
• The elder's sudden reluctance to discuss financial matters
• Increasing tiredness or depression on the part of the elder
• Increasing lack of contact with and interest in the outside world, reluctance to accept visits or phone calls
• The caregiver restricts the elder's contact with the outside world, such as speaking for the elder, refusing phone calls, preventing visits, reading mail for the elder, handling all expenditures, and not taking the elder on purchasing errands or other outings
• The elder's admission of financial or material exploitation or suspected exploitation

Who Is At Risk?

The following conditions or factors increase an older person's risk of being victimized:

• Isolation
• Loneliness
• Recent losses
• Physical or mental disabilities
• Lack of familiarity with financial matters
• Have family members who are unemployed and/or have substance abusers problems

If you are in immediate danger 
call 911.

Abuse is NEVER the victim’s fault.

Pennsylvania's 24 Hour Elder Abuse Hotline
1-800-490-8505

Abuse is NEVER the victim's fault.