When someone makes an estate plan or writes a will, they can essentially choose anyone that they want to add to that will. It is true that most people choose beneficiaries who are friends, family members, or perhaps even charities or religious institutions. But there...
Financial Abuse
How to protect your aging parents from financial fraud
While scammers go after pretty much everyone, older people tend to be their favorite target. This is largely because older folks are generally more trusting, highly vulnerable and less likely to detect scams. While California, like most states, has put in place laws...
San Francisco elders can fall prey to romance scams
According to the FBI, perpetrators of so-called romance scams are targeting elders in the San Francisco region. Many California residents feel that elders are not susceptible to these scams because they are too old to attract would-be romancers. If you are an elder or...
Monthly reviews can help you catch financial abuse
When an older member of your family moves into a nursing home or asks someone to live with them as a caregiver, you expect that they will have adequate support. You also expect that the caregiver, whether they are a professional or a family member, will act in your...
What are the main sources of financial abuses among seniors?
Many elderly individuals will suffer from either physical impairments or cognitive declines at some point in their lives. These may leave them vulnerable to those who prey on the elderly for financial gain. Financial abuse can take on various forms and is often...
What financial abuse of an elder looks like
When you think about putting a loved one into a nursing home or having someone take over caring for them, one thing you need to be cautious of is financial abuse. Unlike physical, medical or mental abuse, financial abuse involves a situation where one party takes...
How undue influence and testamentary capacity relate
Seniors often unsuspectingly fall prey to fraud. Their fraudsters can take on many different shapes and forms, from overseas scammers who prey on their fears to those nearest and dearest to them who pretend to have their best interests at heart. This commonly occurs...
Why are some seniors preyed upon by con artists more than others?
If there's one thing that you should know about con artists, it's the fact that they don't discriminate among their victims. They'll take advantage of virtually anyone who seems like an easy target. Sadly, fraudsters often single out senior citizens as their...
What should I do to protect my parents from financial abuse?
As your parents age, you will likely have to help them more. You may need to watch over them and provide care to them to ensure they are safe and healthy. One additional thing you will want to do is to protect them from financial scams. Financial scams often target...
How can I prevent financial abuse?
It is normal to be concerned about senior loved ones. Along with worries about their health and security, you may also have concerns about their finances. According to the AARP, the elderly are often targets of financial exploitation, especially those who experience...