For Your Protection

1. Who: Vulnerable adults such as the elderly of those with disabilities are the most likely to be victims of financial abuse. Financial abuse is more often than not committed by someone close to the victim such as a family member, friend or caregiver.
2. What: Financial abuse can include:
   • Misuse of credit card or ATM card
   • Taking of money or valuables without permission
   • Signing or cashing social security checks
   • Use of the victim's identity to obtain credit
   • Misuse of a power of attorney to steal money or assets
   • Coercing the individual into signing over property
3. Why: Vulnerable Adults are perceived as being more trusting and less financially sophisticated making them preferred targets for individuals who intend to commit financial abuse.

Watch for the signs

1. Unusual interest by family, friends, or caregivers in vulnerable adult’s financial affairs.
2. Reluctance by a relative or caregiver to spend money for the older or disabled adult’s medical needs.
3. Unexplained disappearance of valuable possessions or funds.
4. Abrupt changes in an insurance policy, financial document, or will.

How to protect yourself

1. Be careful in selecting someone for a power of attorney or financial advice.
2. Do not sign anything that you do not fully understand. Ask questions until you are confident that you have a clear understanding of what you are signing.
3. Never give money or your credit card, bank account or social security number to a stranger
4. Check your credit rating and bank account regularly to help guard against identity theft.
5. Be careful about putting your home in anyone else’s name. If you do, make sure there are legal safeguards in place so it cannot be sold without your knowledge.
6. Screen caregivers and check references. Do not hesitate to request that a caregiver provide proof of a criminal background check.