How can I report suspected elder financial exploitation by my partner?

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's situation; that must be very concerning for you. Can you tell me if there are specific individuals or organizations involved in the exploitation?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already taken any steps to address this issue, such as reporting it to authorities or seeking help from local services?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your mother's exploitation.

Queeneth E. Esq

Hello and welcome to this service. My name is Queeneth. I am an attorney with over 8 years of legal experience. I will do my best to assist you today. First, I need to ask you a few questions to give you the best answer. (Kindly note that our conversation does not establish an attorney-client relationship.)

Queeneth E. Esq

This can absolutely be elder financial exploitation, even if the abuser is someone close to your family rather than a scammer. DOJ lists warning signs such as sudden bank changes, unauthorized ATM/check use, abrupt document changes, unexplained disappearance of funds, unpaid bills despite available money, forged signatures, sudden transfers of assets, and an older adult reporting exploitation.

What the hotline told you likely means their APS intake rules are limited, not that nothing is wrong. National APS/NCEA materials say that in some states APS serves older adults only if they also have impairments, while in other states older adults are covered based on age alone.

Report it to the sheriff or local police where your mother lives. Ask to make a report for suspected elder financial exploitation, theft, fraud, or undue influence. NAPSA materials specifically say if you suspect wrongdoing, notify APS and file a report with the local police; you do not have to prove the case yourself.

Contact your mother's bank or credit union fraud department immediately if money is actively being moved. Federal regulators say financial institutions play an important role by reporting suspected elder financial exploitation, working with law enforcement and APS, and sometimes using transaction holds or delays where allowed by law.

Preserve evidence now. Gather:

• Bank statements
• Screenshots of transfers/Zelle/Venmo/Cash App
• Copies or photos of checks
• Texts, emails, voicemails
• Changes to beneficiaries, deeds, POA, or account access
• Notes of dates, amounts, witnesses, and what your mother said

These are the kinds of facts that help show exploitation or undue influence.

Contact an elder-law or probate/civil-fraud lawyer quickly. If your mother is low-income, the Eldercare Locator connects older adults and families to local aging services and legal-help resources, and LSC helps people find civil legal aid.

Use the APS locator for your mother's state anyway, even if the hotline did not open a case, because reporting routes are state-specific and sometimes local offices differ.

If your mother is fully competent and insists she voluntarily gave the money, law enforcement may hesitate unless there is evidence of fraud, coercion, theft, forgery, or undue influence. But manipulation, isolation, pressure, dependence, or a caregiver/partner suddenly taking over finances are recognized warning signs of undue influence.

You can say this when you call the sheriff:

"I want to report suspected elder financial exploitation of my 84-year-old mother. The suspected person is someone close to the family. I have concerns about undue influence and unauthorized or coerced transfers of money. I have dates, amounts, and documents."