Watch for these warning signs of elder financial abuse​​

Experts caution that perpetrators of financial abuse, especially new acquaintances, frequently try to box out others and limit relatives’ contact with a vulnerable, older adult. “Isolation

is the number one tip-off,” says Michael McGuire, an attorney and president of the California Elder Law Center. “It can be very subtle,” he adds. “A new ‘friend’ may try to cut off the

family from getting access to the senior. All of a sudden, this ‘friend’ is saying: ‘They’re not available, they’re taking a nap or they’re not feeling well right now. I’ll have them call

you back.’ And then they never do.” Be especially wary of newcomers who insinuate themselves into an older person’s life in a way that makes the new associate indispensable in the eyes of

the victim. Many schemers are initially incredibly helpful, McGuire says, “taking the senior to the store or their doctor’s appointments or restaurants — and, most importantly, they’re

running them over to the bank.” COGNITIVE DECLINE OR LOSS OF FINANCIAL ACUMEN If an older person has known cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s or dementia or is beginning to show a

loss of financial acumen, a designated family member or other trusted individual may need to immediately step in to help. “Once a decline starts, it can happen very quickly,” Genkin says.

McGuire says unscrupulous family members, neighbors or friends may try to exert influence over people with cognitive issues. “With dementia, there’s a phenomenon that often occurs that

whoever is the person sitting in front of the senior sort of wins the day” and can persuade the older adult to take financial actions they ordinarily wouldn’t, McGuire says. Financial fraud

can easily occur when a third party has access to an older adult’s sensitive private data, such as account numbers, passwords or Social Security number. Many older folks do need help with

money management tasks, from simple bill paying to buying groceries, but their financial details should be closely guarded and only provided when necessary to known, trusted individuals.

MOBILITY OR FRAILTY ISSUES Even those without cognitive impairments may be susceptible to financial abuse if they have physical disabilities or other issues that prevent them from driving or

otherwise getting around.