Elder financial abuse is a devastating form of mistreatment affecting older adults. A victim can be impacted right in their very own home, and the damage can occur over a great length of time before anyone understands what’s happening.
At Maurer Law, we’ve worked with families across Northern California who were shocked to learn that a loved one had been financially exploited. Whether it was a neighbor, caregiver, family member, facility staff, or stranger, the end result was the same: money was stolen, dignity was lost, and trust was broken.
If you suspect that your loved one is being financially abused, our elder financial abuse attorneys are here to listen, offer legal guidance, and help you take meaningful action. Call our Auburn office at (530) 745-6861 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and discuss your concerns.
Elder financial abuse (also known as elder financial exploitation) occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses an older adult’s money, property, or assets for their own benefit. It’s more common than most people realize.
According to the AARP, older Americans lose more than $28 billion each year to financial abuse and fraud. And those are just the cases we know about. Many go unreported because the victim is too embarrassed, confused, or scared to come forward.
This type of abuse can happen anywhere:
While most elder financial abuse losses come from people the victim knows, more than a quarter of losses are taken by strangers.
Financial abusers often use manipulation, secrecy, or outright fraud to take control of a senior’s money. Here are some common tactics:
An abuser convinces or coerces the elder to sign a power of attorney document, then uses it to drain bank accounts, transfer property, or change beneficiaries.
This includes changing a will, trust, or deed without consent or forging checks and withdrawal slips.
A family member may say things like, “If you really loved me, you’d help me,” or guilt the elder into repeatedly giving money. In other cases, a stranger may try to impersonate a loved one over the phone or internet and claim they are in need of financial help.
Abusers may intentionally isolate a senior from family and friends to gain more control and prevent others from noticing what’s happening.
In more serious cases, the abuser may threaten to withhold care, evict the elder, or cut them off from loved ones unless they comply.
This scenario is when a stranger builds romantic relationships with lonely seniors—online or in person—only to exploit them financially.
Elder financial abuse isn’t always easy to spot. The signs can be subtle, especially if the victim doesn’t fully understand what’s happening or is afraid to speak up.
Here are some red flags to look out for:
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. It’s better to investigate and be wrong than to stay silent and allow the financial abuse to continue.
If you believe a loved one is being taken advantage of financially, there are immediate steps you can take:
Approach your loved one with a gentle and empathetic tone. Ask open-ended questions like, “Have you noticed anything unusual with your bank accounts?” or “Has anyone been helping you with money lately?” Listen carefully and without judgment.
Encourage your loved one to meet with a neutral third party such as a financial advisor, accountant, or elder law attorney who can help review their finances objectively.
If there is clear evidence of exploitation, you may need to take steps to freeze accounts, revoke powers of attorney, or place assets in protective trusts.
Keep a written record of suspicious transactions, unusual behavior, or conversations that raise concern. This will be helpful for legal or criminal investigations.
You can report elder financial abuse to:
An experienced elder financial abuse attorney can help you take legal action to recover stolen assets, prevent further exploitation, and hold abusers accountable.
At Maurer Law, we approach elder abuse cases with the compassion, urgency, and personal attention they deserve.
We know how painful it is to realize your loved one’s trust and ability to cover their needs have been violated. We also understand the legal complexities involved in pursuing these cases, especially when the abuser is a relative or long-time caregiver.
Here’s what we offer:
We’re based in Northern California and deeply familiar with state elder abuse laws, financial regulations, and the care systems where these abuses often occur.
If you suspect your elderly loved one is being financially exploited, don’t wait. The longer abuse continues, the harder it may be to recover what’s been taken.
Let Maurer Law be your advocate. We’re here to protect your family, fight for what’s right, and restore peace of mind when it matters most.
Call our Auburn office at (530) 745-6861 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. You won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you and your loved one.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
