{"id":2493,"date":"2025-06-23T17:16:40","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T17:16:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.silvermillerlaw.com\/?p=2493"},"modified":"2026-01-07T11:57:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:57:51","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-suspect-elder-financial-abuse-immediate-steps-to-protect-seniors-and-report-exploitation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.silvermillerlaw.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-you-suspect-elder-financial-abuse-immediate-steps-to-protect-seniors-and-report-exploitation\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do If You Suspect Elder Financial Abuse: Immediate Steps to Protect Seniors and Report Exploitation"},"content":{"rendered":"
Elder financial abuse<\/span><\/a> is one of the fastest-growing forms of exploitation in the United States\u2014and one of the most underreported. Each year, billions of dollars are stolen from seniors through deceptive investment schemes, financial account manipulation, and outright theft. If you believe you or a loved one is being financially exploited, it\u2019s critical to take swift and informed action to protect yourself or them and potentially recover what was lost.<\/span><\/p>\n At Silver Miller, we specialize in helping victims of elder financial abuse and their families pursue justice through legal action. Here\u2019s what you need to know\u2014and what to do\u2014if you suspect elder financial exploitation is happening.<\/span><\/p>\n Recognizing the Warning Signs of Elder Financial Abuse<\/b><\/p>\n Financial exploitation can take many forms, but common red flags include:<\/span><\/p>\n Many cases involve trusted individuals\u2014family members, caregivers, or even financial professionals\u2014who use their position of authority and trust to gain control over a senior\u2019s assets.<\/span><\/p>\n If you believe elder financial abuse is occurring, acting quickly can prevent further damage and increase your chances of recovery. Here are the key steps to take:<\/span><\/p>\n Freeze or closely monitor bank, brokerage, and credit accounts to prevent further unauthorized access or transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep records of suspicious withdrawals, text messages, emails, or any communication that seems manipulative or coercive.<\/span><\/p>\n Notify the bank, brokerage firm, or investment advisor about your concerns. Many firms have protocols in place to freeze accounts and flag suspicious activity\u2014especially for senior clients.<\/span><\/p>\n Each state has its own APS agency tasked with investigating elder abuse. Filing a report can trigger an investigation and help protect the senior from further harm.<\/span><\/p>\n If a registered broker or financial advisor is involved, file a regulatory complaint with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These agencies can investigate and sanction financial professionals who exploit vulnerable investors.<\/span><\/p>\n While regulatory complaints can help expose wrongdoing, they do not result in financial compensation. To pursue a recovery of stolen or mismanaged funds, you\u2019ll need a knowledgeable attorney who can represent your or your loved one\u2019s interests through arbitration, litigation, or settlement.<\/span><\/p>\n Time is of the essence in elder financial abuse cases. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to trace and recover the misappropriated assets. At Silver Miller, we represent victims and their families in cases involving:<\/span><\/p>\n We work to hold wrongdoers accountable and recover funds through <\/span>FINRA arbitration<\/b>, civil litigation, and other legal remedies.<\/span><\/p>\n Financial abuse not only robs seniors of their savings\u2014it strips them of dignity and independence. If you believe you or your loved one is being exploited, <\/span>don\u2019t stay silent<\/b>. We\u2019re here to help.<\/span><\/p>\n Contact Silver Miller \u2013 The Crypto and Investment Fraud Lawyers<\/b><\/p>\n\n
Immediate Steps to Take If You Suspect Exploitation<\/b><\/h3>\n
1. Secure Financial Accounts<\/b><\/h4>\n
2. Document Everything<\/b><\/h4>\n
3. Alert the Financial Institution<\/b><\/h4>\n
4. Report to Adult Protective Services (APS)<\/b><\/h4>\n
5. File a Complaint with FINRA or the SEC<\/b><\/h4>\n
6. Contact an Experienced Elder Financial Abuse Attorney<\/b><\/h4>\n
Why Legal Action Matters<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Don\u2019t Let Elder Financial Abuse Go Unanswered<\/b><\/h3>\n