If you think you or someone you care about is being exploited, call us at 877-595-6256 or visit your local branch. We accept relay calls.

To learn more, see our page: Your checklist for managing elderly parents' finances. 

Overview

It may not always be easy to tell when you or someone you care about is being taken advantage of. The information below explains elder financial exploitation and vulnerable adult exploitation and provides examples to help you recognize them.

Elder Financial Exploitation
An elder person is considered 65 years old or older. This kind of exploitation happens when someone unlawfully takes money or property from an elder adult. This can happen through scams, lies, pressure, theft, or misuse of the older person's trust.

Example: An impersonator convinces an older adult to give them money by pretending to be a family member in trouble.

Vulnerable Adult Exploitation
A vulnerable adult is someone who is 18 years old or older, and lacks understanding or capacity to make responsible decisions. This kind of exploitation happens when someone:

• Takes money, property, or resources set aside for the vulnerable adult.
  OR
• Makes decisions that benefit themselves instead of the vulnerable adult.

Example: A caregiver uses a vulnerable adult's bank card to buy things for themselves without permission.