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Financial or Material Abuse or Exploitation is defined as the illegal or improper use of another person's funds, property, or assets. Examples include but are not limited to: cashing another person's checks without their authorization or permission; forging another person's signature; misusing or stealing another person's money or possessions; coercing or deceiving another person into signing any document (such as a contract or will); and the improper use of a conservatorship, guardianship, or power of attorney.
- There is unusual or inappropriate activity in their bank or other
accounts;
- The signatures on checks or other documents do not resemble their
signature, or they are unable to write;
- A power-of-attorney has been given to a person, or recent changes
have been made to their will, and the individual is not capable of
making those kinds of decisions;
- A caregiver expresses unusual concern that an excessive amount
of money is being expended on their care;
- There are numerous unpaid bills or overdue rent when someone is
supposed to be paying their bills;
- They are placed in a nursing home or other residential care facility that
is does not "agree" with the alleged size of their estate;
- They lack amenities, such as TV, personal grooming items or
appropriate clothing that their estate could well afford;
- They are missing personal belongings such as art, silverware, jewelry
or collections of value; or
- They are deliberately isolated from friends and family, resulting in the
caregiver alone having total control.
What To Do If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
For more information on preventing abuse or neglect, contact us.
Visit the Publications page to download a copy of the "Preventing Financial Exploitation in Virginia - A Guide for Seniors and Adults With A Disability" brochure, produced by the Virginia Financial Institution Reporting Project and the Virginia Department of Social Services.
