We believe that the financial services industry is in a unique position to assist in protecting and detecting abuse, and in the process, upholding the inherent personal trust and relationships that individuals have with financial institutions.

Why We Care

The financial services industry may frequently be the first to be able to detect abuse through observing the changes in the actions of their customers. And, are in a position to make a positive contribution to the well being of potentially vulnerable customers. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) and Adult Protective Services (APS) encourage financial institutions to report suspected fraud or abuse to APS. In some states, such as ours in California, financial institutions are mandated by state law to report instances or suspicion of abuse or financial exploitation and are protected from civil or criminal liability if acting in good faith in such reporting.

Leading Signs of Financial Abuse:

• Signature seems forged, unusual, or suspicious.
• A set of "out-of-sync" check numbers.
• Allegations of "missing funds" from a vulnerable adult's account.
• A vulnerable adult fails to understand recently completed transactions or repercussions of his or her actions.
• Financial institution or credit card statements start being sent to an address other than the vulnerable adult's home.
• Unusual cash withdrawals from a checking account in a short period of time.
• Abrupt increase in credit card activity or a sudden flurry of "bounced" checks.
• Vulnerable adult's account shows ATM activity even though he or she is physically unable to leave home.
• Vulnerable adult is accompanied by a third party who encourages the withdrawal of a large sum of cash and may not allow the vulnerable adult to speak.
• Abrupt and unexplained change in a financial Power of Attorney; new names added to signature cards; new joint account.

In addition, you may be interested in reviewing these Leading Signs of Physical Abuse:

• Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect or mistreatment.
• Unexplained withdrawal form normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
• Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
• Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
• Behavior such as belittling, threatening, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
• Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between a caregiver and an elderly person are also warning signs.

The most important thing is to be alert; the suffering is often in silence.
If you notice changes in personality or behavior, try to find the cause.

What makes an older adult vulnerable to abuse?

Social isolation and mental impairment (such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.) are two factors that may make an older person more vulnerable to abuse. But, in some situations, studies show that living with someone else (a caregiver or friend) may increase the chances for abuse to occur. A history of domestic violence may also make a senior more susceptible to abuse.

Who might abuse older people?

Abusers of older adults are both men and women. Family members are more often the abusers than any other group. For several years, data showed that adult children were the most common abusers of family members; recent information indicates spouses are the most common perpetrators when state data concerning both elders and vulnerable adults is combined.

Who do I call if I suspect elder abuse?

Each one of us has a responsibility to keep vulnerable elders safe from harm. The laws in most states require helping professions in the front lines--such as doctors and home health providers--to report suspected abuse or neglect. These professionals are called, "mandated reporters." Under the laws of eight states, "any person," is required to report a suspicion of mistreatment.

Call the police or 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger.

If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. Relay your concerns to the local adult protection services, long-term care ombudsman, or police.

If you have been the victim of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, you are not alone. Many people care and can help. Please tell your doctor, a friend, or a trusted family member. Or, you can call the Eldercare Locator help line at 1-800-677-1116 immediately.

You can reach the National Eldercare Locator by telephone at 1-800-677-1116. Specially trained operators will refer you to a local agency that can help. The Eldercare Locator is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.