If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. You are also encouraged to keep original documentation, emails, faxes, and logs of all communications.

How do you report financial exploitation of the elderly?

If you want to report elder financial abuse, contact your local county APS Office (PDF). Abuse reports may also be made to you local law enforcement agency.

What constitutes financial abuse of the elderly?

Financial elder/dependent adult abuse is any theft or embezzlement of money or any other property from an elder. Taking money from a wallet, manipulating an elder to turn over money, or using an elder’s phone for long distance calls can all be considered financial abuse.

Who investigates elder financial abuse?

Each California County has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency to help elder adults (65 years and older) and dependent adults (18-64 who are disabled), when these adults are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

What do I do if my elderly parent is being scammed?

You can report senior citizen scams to Adult Protective Services as well as your local police. Should you receive a call from someone posing as an IRS agent, or agent from another government agency, report it to that agency as well.

What is it called when someone takes advantage of an elderly person?

(7) The term “exploitation” refers to the act or process of taking advantage of an elderly person by another person or caregiver whether for monetary, personal or other benefit, gain or profit.

What to do if an elderly person is being taken advantage of?

Here are some steps to consider taking:

1. Talk to the older person.
2. Gather more information or evidence as to what is occurring.
3. Contact the older person’s financial institution.
4. Contact your local Adult Protective Services (APS) office.
5. Contact law enforcement.

What are the two categories of elderly financial abuse crimes?

Financial crimes against the elderly fall under two general categories: fraud committed by strangers, and financial exploitation by relatives and caregivers. These categories sometimes overlap in terms of target selection and the means used to commit the crime.

Which of the following may indicate financial abuse?

Signs of financial abuse Unexplained money loss. Lack of money to pay for essentials such as rent, bills and food. Inability to access or check bank accounts and bank balance. Changes or deterioration in standards of living e.g. not having items or things they would usually have.

What are some examples of financial abuse?

Withholding money, stealing money, and restricting the use of finances are some examples of financial abuse.

How do I report financial exploitation?

If you suspect someone of being financially abused, there are several actions you can take: Report the possible crime by calling your local Adult Protective Services and state attorney general’s office. File a police report. Explore options at your local probate court if your state has such courts.

Who is most likely to financially exploit an elder?

Family Members. One study found that more than 90 percent of financial abusers were family members or close friends. Family dynamics can set up a situation where a relative financially exploits a senior. In this situation, financial exploitation may be referred to as financial mistreatment, fiduciary, or economic abuse

How much of reported senior and elder abuse is financial?

The World Health Organisation estimates that, globally, around 1 in 10 older people experience elder abuse each month. Their figures also show that elder financial abuse occurs at a rate of between 1% and 9%.

How do you prosecute a scammer?

To file a complaint, just go to ftc.gov/complaint, and answer the questions. Or call That’s all there is to it. If you’ve been ripped off or scammed, complain to the Federal Trade Commission. It can help put the bad guys out of business.

Can you go to jail for someone scamming you?

Fraud convictions bring with them the possibility of a jail or prison sentence. Though sentences differ widely, a misdemeanor conviction can lead to up to a year in a local jail, while a felony conviction can lead to multiple years in prison. Federal charges can lead to 10 years or more in federal prison.

What is a pigeon drop scheme?

The pigeon drop (also known as Spanish Handkerchief) is a confidence trick in which a mark, or “pigeon”, is persuaded to give up a sum of money in order to secure the rights to a larger sum of money, or more valuable object.