How can I tell if a friend, neighbor, or family member is a victim of financial exploitation?

Common signs include:

• Money is missing from your loved one's account.
• The person you care for says some money or property is missing.
• The person is afraid or seems afraid of a relative, caregiver, or friend.
• A relative, caregiver, friend, or someone else keeps your loved one from having visitors or phone calls, does not let her speak for herself, or seems to be controlling her decisions.
• You notice sudden changes in your loved one’s spending or savings. For example, your loved one is:
  • Withdrawing money from accounts without explanation
  • Wiring large amounts of money
  • Using the ATM a lot
  • Not paying bills that are usually paid
  • Buying things or services she doesn’t usually buy
  • Adding names on bank or other accounts that you do not recognize or that the account holder is unwilling or unable to explain
  • Not receiving account statements or bills
  • Giving new or unusual gifts to family members or others, such as a “new best friend"
  • Changing beneficiaries of a will, life insurance policy, or retirement funds
  • Allowing a caregiver, friend, or relative to begin handling her money

Learn more about what to do if you suspect financial exploitation.