Financial Abuse Is a Grave Threat to the Well-Being of Senior Citizens
Financial abuse of the elderly is a serious and growing problem in the United States and in California. If you or a loved one has been victimized, our elder financial abuse lawyer will work to hold the abuser accountable. In basic terms, elder financial abuse happens when someone fraudulently seeks or uses undue influence to get the money or other assets of a person 65 years of age or older. The victim does not have to be of reduced mental capacity for financial elder abuse to occur. But many times elder financial abuse does run hand in hand with mental impairment, isolation and neglect.
Elder financial abuse requires immediate action. The more time that passes, the harder it will be to recover stolen assets and stop further losses. If you suspect a senior family member is being financially exploited, an elder financial abuse attorney from Hackard Law can help. We have represented many victims and their families and understand the common signs of elder financial abuse. We will review your circumstances and, if financial elder abuse is taking place, work to protect the interests of you and your family members.
Don’t let a bad actor get away with taking what is yours or your vulnerable relative’s. Contact our Sacramento elder financial abuse lawyers to learn how we can assist you. Call (916) 313-3030 today to schedule a free consultation.
Known as “the crime of the 21st century,” elder financial abuse in California ranges from fraud schemes by strangers to misappropriation of a senior’s money or property by family members. Other potential abusers can include caretakers, financial advisors, stockbrokers, or con artists posing as a “new friend.” Greedy, criminal and unethical people are found everywhere. When they see opportunities to get money by taking advantage of an elderly person, they will.
There are a variety of common scams that target the elderly. When seniors suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, they may not even know they being financially abused. And in other cases, senior citizens may be embarrassed that they were “taken” and not report fraud and abuse. Family members and seniors themselves should be knowledgeable about the wide variety of scams that are out there. Here are descriptions of a few common ones:
The different types of fraud committed against vulnerable seniors is extensive. Fraudulent actions targeting elderly people can happen in just about every facet of life. Fraud occurs related to investments, home loans, insurance and even medical care, where elders might be wrongfully charged for medical procedures they didn’t receive.
Property title theft is another major area where scammers prey on the elderly. Title and property fraudsters often target and exploit senior citizens because they are seen as generally more trusting, according to the California Department of Real Estate.
Sadly, though, while elder financial abuse is perpetrated by strangers through a wide variety of scams and fraud, it is most often people that victims know and trust who take advantage of them. This includes their very own family members.
Abusers within families may take advantage of their trusted positions to control their elders’ bank accounts and steal their money and property. Some financial abusers misuse their powers of attorney to defraud elderly relatives. Others might use undue influence to unlawfully change estate documents like wills and trusts to their benefit.
What motivates people to steal from their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts or other elders?
These are just some of the things that might cause a family member to steal from their elder. No matter what the motivation, it is wrong. But when an elderly person is being taken advantage of by a trusted family member, it can be especially difficult to identify and stop. The victim may not want to believe it is happening, or others within the family might try to shield the abuser.
When elder financial abuse happens, you need a legal advisor you can trust. You also need one who is compassionate and sensitive in how they handle your case. This is especially true when the suspected abuser is a family member.
Our attorneys from Hackard Law have in-depth knowledge of California law related to elder financial abuse. We are highly experienced at handling these kinds of cases. When we represent you, we will investigate to find out:
If it is still happening, we will take the legal steps needed to stop the abuse. We will also seek to recover the money and other assets through a civil lawsuit.
It’s important not to wait to speak with a lawyer in elder financial abuse cases. The sooner you act, the sooner the abuse can be stopped and money be recovered. Call us today to set up a free consultation by dialing (916) 313-3030.
We work on a contingency basis, which means there are no fees upfront and you pay attorney fees only if we obtain a recovery for you. Our lawyers represent families throughout Northern California from our Sacramento office.
”I’m satisfied that I chose Hackard Law to work on my case. All the attorneys on the team are clearly highly experienced, professional, and truly care about their clients. My case was attended to with immediacy and attorneys Mike Hackard and Sarah Cullen reached my desired outcome.” – Stan Yangazov (Google Review)
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