Elder
Financial
Exploitation

What is

Elder Financial Exploitation?

Someone stealing money, selling or trading property, keeping money and property away from the older person, or using the senior’s bank accounts and credit cards for their gain is committing elder financial exploitation. It can be committed by a loved one, caregiver or a complete stranger.

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This publication was made possible in part by a grant from the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

Common Types of Financial Exploitation

Risk Factors

Warning Signs

Money missing from your bank account
Unexplained charges to your credit card
Pressure to make changes to your power of attorney or will
Attempts to isolate you from your family and friends
Threats of harm, neglect, abandonment or to force you from your home

Tips To Avoid Financial Exploitation

Prepare legal documents (powers of attorney) designating a trusted reliable person who will follow your health and financial wishes.
Keep strong connections with friends, family or neighbors to avoid isolation
Keep your personal financial and insurance information out of sight of guests and caregivers.
Tell your bank what trusted person they can notify of unusual account activity.
Don't share your financial or insurance information with callers.
Notify the financial institution or medical provider of suspicious activity on statements.

Free Legal Helpline

Pro Seniors provides a free Legal Helpline for legal information, advice and referrals for Ohio residents age 60 and older.

Call 1-800-488-6070.

Report

Your Concerns To

Your local police department
Ohio Attorney General
Call 1-800-282-0515 or visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov
Adult Protective Services
Helps vulnerable adults age 60 and older who are in danger of harm and are unable to protect themselves. Call 1-855-OHIO-APS 1-855-644-6277
Ohio’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Advocates for people using home care, assisted living or nursing home care. Call 1-800-282-1206 or www.aging.ohio.gov
Ohio’s Senior Medicare Patrol
Will help you review and report suspicious activity on your Medicare statement. Call 513-458-5523 or www.proseniors.org/Ohio-SMP/

ElderFinancialExploitation

What is