For Victims of
Elder Abuse
Senior citizens (ages 60 and older) can be easy targets for financial exploitation. Sometimes more trusting than they should be or impaired physically or by disability, seniors can open their bank accounts and financial assets to abusers offering “help.” Elder abuse impacts seniors of any race, gender, education level or economic status.
What is financial exploitation of an elder?
Senior citizens are financially exploited when someone misuses or takes their assets for his or her own personal benefit.
Financial exploitation of an elder can include:
Using an elder’s checks, bank account information or credit cards to obtain money without permission
Theft of money, valuables, medications and personal property
“Grandparent scams” where a perpetrator claims to be a grandchild in distress, needing an immediate wire transfer
Service fraud where abusers take money for work that is seriously shoddy or not done at all
Misuse of authority by caregivers who use their position to get a loan or withdraw money
Tricking an elder into signing over power of attorney or making a change to their will that is not in their own best interest
Intimidation that includes the abuser threatening to shut off the elder’s phone service or utilities
Legal representation is key to ending the cycle of abuse.
Legal Aid NC’s Senior Law Project can help.
Call the Senior Legal Helpline at 1-877-579-7562
The Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Legal Aid NC’s Senior Law Project
We can help with:
- Wills and powers of attorney
- Public benefits: Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income Program, Social Security Disability Insurance and more
- Abuse and neglect
- Unemployment compensation
- Housing: Foreclosure, eviction, subsidized housing, repairs, utilities, etc.
- Consumer issues
- Wrongful repossession
Additional Help
Legal Aid NC can also help you with many other free legal services and support.
