Sacramento Elder Financial Abuse Lawyer

Protecting the Innocent

Unfortunately, older people in California are often the victims of dishonest individuals and companies who exploit them. The perpetrator could be a family member, a friend, a caregiver, a fiduciary, or a scammer. When fraud is happening, it may not be easy to recognize. However, watching out for the warning signs can protect you and your loved ones from abuse.

If you suspect someone you love is being taken advantage of, you may be able to take legal action. Your first response should be to contact an elder financial abuse attorney like Nicholas Yonano at Yonano Law Offices, P.C. Your lawyer will investigate the situation to determine whether abuse is going on, and they will stand by your side throughout the legal proceedings.

Yonano Law Offices, P.C., is dedicated to fighting injustice in the lives of the elderly. Call 916-894-8790 today for excellent legal counsel and representation.

What Are Some Warning Signs of Elder Financial Abuse?

Unlike physical abuse, elder financial abuse doesn’t leave obvious signs that family members would immediately notice. Friends and loved ones should keep a careful watch on innocent elderly people who may demonstrate warning signs of financial abuse.

Some of the signs that could indicate financial elder abuse

Checks being made out to “cash”
Signatures on important documents that do not match the person’s usual signature
Missing cash or checks
Unusual financial activity
Large, valuable gifts are being given suddenly, especially to people with whom the elderly person is not very familiar
Sudden investments in timeshares or other similar activities
Donations to organizations the person is not formally affiliated with
Supposed “long-lost relatives” or other caretakers who interfere with the person’s finances

How Are the Elderly Victimized in California?

Elder financial abuse occurs in many different forms in California. These cases sometimes involve close friends or family members who take advantage of their relationship with the elderly person. Other times, the circumstances involve a scam where an unknown third party steals funds by pretending to offer a prize or investment payout.

Some of the common ways elderly people are victimized in California

Health insurance fraud, such as scammers posing as Medicare representatives and stealing bank information
False prize winnings, where a fake grand prize is offered, and the scammer reportedly needs financial data to transfer the money
Caregivers posing as friendly helpers when they are really stealing valuables and cash
Phone scams, such as those where a loved one supposedly needs urgent cash
Friends or family members who convince the older person to change their will or trust in that person’s favor

How Can You Help Protect a Loved One From Elder Financial Abuse?

It is only natural to want to protect your loved ones from people who would take advantage of them. People target adults who are showing cognitive decline or mental impairment or dependent adults with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, those dependent individuals may rely on caregivers or family members who have ulterior motives. There are measures you can take to protect your loved one.

Regularly Monitor Financial Activity

The easiest way to prevent financial abuse is to keep a close eye on your loved one’s finances. You can:

Arrange automatic alerts for large or unusual transactions.
Review their credit cards and bank accounts for suspicious activity.
Watch out for unpaid bills.
Speak with your loved one regularly about their financial decisions.

Take Over Their Financial Decision Making

Sometimes, a legal agreement called a power of attorney (POA) may be necessary. This legal document allows a trusted person called an “agent” to gain decision-making powers over an elder’s finances.

Educate Your Loved Ones

Even when older adults have physical or developmental disabilities, they may still be able to understand the warnings you give them. Talk to them about their finances and teach them about scams that are happening. Tell them they can call you before making important legal or financial decisions. Remind them that legitimate government agencies like the IRS, Medicaid, and Social Security Administration will never demand immediate payments over the phone.

Sometimes, all it takes to prevent financial abuse is a simple conversation with your loved ones. Con artists and scammers rely on the isolation of vulnerable people to take advantage of them.

Create a Trust

Trusts are amazing estate planning tools that people usually use to distribute assets after they pass away. They can also monitor how assets are distributed and can be created to allow them independence. When their mental capacity diminishes, a successor trustee can manage the trust.

Creating a trust is a complicated process, and you should consult an experienced trust attorney when considering a trust to protect your loved ones.

How Do You Report Elder Abuse in Sacramento?

Suppose your loved one is in danger of elder financial abuse in Sacramento. In that case, you may need to report the abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS) or the California Department of Social Services. An excellent place to start is by reaching out to a trusted legal professional who can help you identify the abuse and direct you to the proper government agency.

Your elder financial abuse attorney is also a great resource for taking action against the guilty party and even recovering some of the lost funds or goods. They can also identify whether undue influence was used in convincing someone to create wills and trusts that are not in that person’s best interests. Financial abuse is a criminal offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the abuse. Those who commit elder financial abuse can face up to four years in prison and high fines, and you may even be able to pursue restitution.

For help seeking justice for your family, please get in touch with our law firm right away.

Do You Need Help Protecting Your Loved Ones Against Elder Financial Abuse?

At Yonano Law Offices, P.C., we are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of individuals affected by elder financial abuse in Sacramento. Our experienced team of elder abuse lawyers provides comprehensive legal support tailored to your needs.

You Can Count on Yonano Law Offices, P.C.

Here’s how we can help your elder abuse claim:

Investigate Claims: We thoroughly examine cases of suspected elder financial abuse to gather evidence and establish a strong foundation for your claim.
Advocate for Victims: Our Sacramento elder abuse lawyer actively advocates for victims, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Pursue Legal Action: We guide clients through the legal process, pursuing compensation for financial losses and emotional distress caused by abuse.
Offer Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional toll of elder financial abuse and provide compassionate support throughout your legal journey.

With Yonano Law Offices, P.C. by your side, you can take confident steps to protect your rights and seek justice for elder financial abuse.

Should You Hire Our Elder Financial Abuse Attorney?

Abusing an elderly person is a crime in California, and our law firm takes these cases very seriously. We understand how devastating it is to individuals and their families when dishonest people and companies steal their hard-earned wealth. We will take every possible action to recover the lost funds and find the truth behind those who exercise undue influence over an elderly person.

At Yonano Law Offices, P.C., we fight aggressively for justice on behalf of your victimized loved one. You and your family don’t need to go through this troubling experience alone. Reach out to us right away to learn how our experienced, dedicated legal team can help protect your elderly loved ones. Call now at 916-894-8790.