(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 is it called when someone takes money from the elderly?

Financial exploitation occurs when a person misuses or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult for his/her own personal benefit. This frequently occurs without the explicit knowledge or consent of a senior or disabled adult, depriving him/her of vital financial resources for his/her personal needs.

Is financial exploitation of elderly a crime?

Any unauthorized (or fraudulently obtained) use of an elder’s money or property is considered a violation of California’s financial elder abuse law.

What constitutes exploitation of the elderly?

The federal Elder Justice Act, enacted in 2010, defines financial exploitation of the elderly as, ” the fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized, or improper act that uses the resources of an elder for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain, or that results in depriving an elder the rightful access to, or

How do you investigate 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 do you do when an elderly person is taking 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 to do if a sibling is taking advantage of an elderly parent?

What Can You Do if a Family Member Is Taking Advantage of Elderly Parents?

1. Get legal advice. The first step is to know your rights.
2. Collect documentation.
3. Have a family meeting.
4. Consider durable or financial power of attorney.
5. Consider medical power of attorney.
6. Petition for guardianship.

Is financial exploitation considered abuse?

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. This is a serious form of abuse as it can leave elders unable to provide for their needs and fearful of what tomorrow will hold.

Is it a felony to take advantage of a senior citizen?

Financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability is: (1) a Class 4 felony if the value of the property is $300 or less, (2) a Class 3 felony if the value of the property is more than $300 but less than $5,000, (3) a Class 2 felony if the value of the property is $5,000 or more but less than

Is exploitation a felony?

(1) If the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation of the elderly person or disabled adult is valued at one hundred thousand dollars ($ 100,000) or more, then the offense is a Class F felony.

How do you stop someone from taking advantage of the elderly?

What Can I Do If Someone Is Taking Advantage of an Elderly Family Member?

1. Competent vs Incompetent. If the Loved One is incompetent, consider pursuing a guardianship over the Loved One to protect the Loved One.
2. “Bad Actor”
3. Revoking Power of Attorney.
4. Filing a Lawsuit and reporting the Crime.
5. Recourse After Death.

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 do you prove exploitation?

How do I prove financial elder abuse?

1. Someone has taken property from an elderly person without their permission.
2. Someone has “borrowed” money or property from an elderly person and failed to return it or pay it back.
3. Someone has used fraud, coercion, or undue influence to wrongfully obtain property from an elderly person.

What is considered financial exploitation?

(12) “Financial exploitation” means the illegal or improper use, control over, or withholding of the property, income, resources, or trust funds of the elderly person or the vulnerable adult by any person or entity for any person’s or entity’s profit or advantage other than for the elder person or the vulnerable

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 is the punishment for financial abuse?

However if the victim so chooses, and criminal charges are filed, financial elder abuse can lead to misdemeanor and felony charges. Misdemeanor convictions can lead to up to a year in jail, and a $1,000 fine. Felony convictions can result in up to four years in jail and fines up to $10,000.