What to do if I feel that there is elderly fraud going on in my household?
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What to do if I feel that there is elderly fraud going on in my household?
My aunt currently is in possession of 4 credit cards each totaling balances of around $20,000 each. These are all in my grandmother’s name who currently is in the latter days of Alzheimer’s disease. Is this legally able to be taking place? My grandfather knows nothing of what is going on with the finances. Next to none of the allocated funds from his and her retirement/SS is going to the household.
Asked on June 26, 2014 under Estate Planning, Alabama
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
It would be advisable to contact the district attorney's office and also Adult Protective Services. Elder abuse includes the financial fraud you have described. Elder abuse of this type is a criminal matter for the district attorney to pursue. Adult Protective Services can also intercede on behalf of your grandmother.
Fraud is both criminal and civil (lawsuit). Your aunt is liable for any funds she has misappropriated. A lawsuit can be filed against her for fraud to recover those funds. This civil case is separate from the criminal case for fraud which the district attorney's office can pursue.
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