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Who Are Financial Exploiters of the Elderly in Orlando, Florida Area?

Did you know that most financial exploiters of the elderly are people they know, such as caregivers, family members, and friends? Why is that so? This is because these individuals often have broad access to the senior’s financial affairs. They may be helping them write checks, or they may have a POA (Power of Attorney). 

Family Members

The goal may have been to help Mom or Dad by writing out their checks to pay the bills. Then the individual starts withdrawing money from Mom or Dad’s account or writing checks to themselves. Before you know it, Mom and Dad are out thousands of dollars. 

Most family members or friends provide essential assistance to elderly family members or friends, and they do this good deed honestly. However, there are some who ingratiate themselves with the elderly person they are serving. They may be given and accept large gifts from their elderly employer or family member. 

Family members may start out by helping Grandma with selfless motives. Then, while drafting checks for Grandma, they may draft checks to themselves. In the worst-case scenarios, family members obtain credit cards in the older relative’s name or take out extensions of credit on the senior’s residence. 

Close Friends

Trusted friends misappropriate seniors’ Social Security payments, empty their accounts, or sell their homes. These are very sad cases because victims are rarely willing to pursue litigation or make criminal referrals involving family or longtime caregivers. 

What Can Be Done in Florida? 

You can call the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-NO ABUSE. You can speak to an Adult Protective Service Investigator who may be able to help you in this scenario. You can also speak with law enforcement in the area where the elderly person was exploited. 

Lastly, you may be able to file an Injunction for Protection Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult. That falls under Florida Statute 825.1035. You may proceed under this statute without the help of an attorney. However, you may want to hire an attorney to represent you during this process. 

If you have more questions regarding an Elder Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.