February 25, 2008
Did you know?
• Elder abuse reports are up more than 150 percent in the last 10 years.
• Elder abuse is one of the most under recognized and under reported crimes.
• Nationally only 1 in 14 cases reported
• In California only 1 in 5 cases reported
• The extent that economic crimes affect the senior community and the actual number of dollars involved are widely unknown due to:
• Lack of reporting (embarrassment, shame)
• Family dynamic
• Lack of action taken (Civil vs. Criminal)
• Death Warning signs of elder abuse may be happening to someone you know
• People who appear “too” interested in their finances
• Concerned/confused about “missing” funds
• Unable to remember financial transactions
• Fearful of eviction or abandonment by caregiver
• Isolated from family, friends, or other support groups — Accompanied by:
• A stranger who encourages frequent or large cash withdrawals • Family member or other person who coerces them to make transactions
• Not allowed to speak for themselves or make decisions
• Appears nervous/afraid of person accompanying them
What is Financial Abuse?
• Financial elder abuse is generally defined as the improper use of a senior’s funds‚ property or assets.
• SB 1018 states that “suspected financial abuse” occurs when a bank employee observes behavior or transactions that would lead a person with similar training to form a reasonable belief that an elder is the victim of financial elder abuse.
Source: San Bernardino County
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