indicators of financial exploitation checklist
There are signs or clues that financial exploitation has occurred but some of these indicators can be explained by other causes. While no single indicator can be taken as conclusive proof, patterns or clusters can suggest a problem.
Indicators include:
1. The elder has unpaid bills or has received an eviction notice or notices to discontinue utilities.
2. Bank account withdrawals cannot be explained by the elder.
3. Bank statements and canceled checks go to another address and no longer come to the older adult's home.
4. There is unusual activity in bank account, such as large, unexplained withdrawals, frequent transfers between accounts or ATM withdrawals.
5. The money available for the elder’s care is not being spent for that, as indicated by the environment or other factors.
6. A caregiver expresses excessive interest in the amount of money being spent on the elder adult.
7. The elder’s belongings or property are missing.
8. Checks or other documents show suspicious signatures.
9. There is an absence of documentation about financial arrangements for the elder—especially with the caretaker.
10. Implausible explanations are provided about the older adult's finances.
11. The older adult is unaware or does not understand the financial arrangements that have been made for him/her.
12. There has been a change in bank or other financial institutions – possibly without the elder’s knowledge or consent.
13. Credit cards show increased activity for purchases not generally made by the elder.
