Older Americans are often the target of scams and other financial exploitation. Con artists are increasingly targeting seniors with tactics designed to fleece them out of their hard-earned savings. The results can be devastating for individuals on limited incomes.

If you or a loved one are facing financial exploitation or elder financial abuse, call the Lento Law Firm. We stop further abuse, protect assets, and work to recover property. Call 888-535-3686 or complete this confidential online form, and we will reach out to you.

What is “Financial Exploitation”

The U.S. Department of Justice defines elder financial exploitation as the misuse of funds or property for the personal benefit of another party. Financial exploitation of seniors might include:

• Conning seniors into making fraudulent investments.
• Taking or misusing funds from a senior's bank account or a credit account.
• Theft of an older person's property.
• Misuse of funds by a financial advisor.
• Identity theft or manipulating a senior to sign legal documents like a power of attorney.

Once this exploitation has begun, it will likely be necessary to ask an NJ court for a restraining order to stop it.

Strategies for Preventing Financial Exploitation of Seniors

It is possible to limit or prevent the financial exploitation of older Americans through a few simple strategies:

• Plan ahead by giving a trusted family member financial power of attorney.
• Be aware of those around your loved one and maintain regular contact.
• View your loved one's credit report regularly or sign up for a service that monitors credit and bank accounts.
• Designate a person as a trusted contact with banks or financial institutions to be alerted about questionable activity.

By following these strategies, families can often prevent the financial exploitation of older relatives. But if the worst has happened, asking a court to help stop the financial abuse will often be necessary. This is typically done by applying for a restraining order.

Stopping Elder Financial Exploitation

If a family member or loved one faces financial exploitation, it is necessary to take immediate action to prevent further harm. This may involve:

• Making sure your loved one is safe.
• Notifying banks, credit card companies, or investment firms of the issues.
• Collecting proof of exploitation or abuse.
• Securing legal counsel to assist in recovering lost property and preventing further losses.
• Filing for a restraining order to stop the exploitation or activity.

You must act immediately, as delay may cause your loved one financial devastation.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

The Lento Law Firm Family Team can assist and advise you on getting a restraining order and taking other actions. We are here to stop the financial abuse of your loved one and take action to recover lost property. Don't wait to call, as time is often of the essence to stop scam artists and fraudsters. We know how hard your loved one has worked, and we are here to protect their assets. Call 888-535-3686 or complete this confidential online form, and we will reach out to you.