How to Report Elder Abuse by a Credit Card Company

If you suspect an elder has become a victim of elder abuse, it's important to report the incident to local police or Adult Protective Services as soon as possible. Financial abuse can ruin an elder's self-esteem and erode their peace of mind. Going over monthly bank and credit card statements is one way to prevent financial elder abuse from taking place.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bank statements Credit card statements

1. Discuss household money management in order to help elders protect their money and allow them to maintain their independence. Ask to see monthly banking statements and credit card bills to monitor money flow without taking away financial responsibility from the elder.

2. Impress upon the elder the importance of not revealing ATM or other banking information to solicitors on the phone, email, or those who come to their home. Ask to see all credit card offers before the elder signs up for a credit card. Research these offers to make sure they are legitimate.

3. Check monthly bank and credit card statements for any inconsistencies in charges made to credit cards, or large sums of money missing from bank accounts. If elders are receiving statements from credit cards that you don't recognize, ask the elder if they recently signed up to the receive the card.

4. If you suspect elder abuse, contact local police or Adult Protective Services. Reporting suspected elder abuse can help other elders from being abused and will increase the likelihood of monies being returned.

Tips & Warnings

• Always report suspected elder abuse even if the elder doesn't want to file a report.
• Identity theft is a growing epidemic among the elderly. Educate elders about these dangers and advise them not to give out financial or personal information over the phone, email or to solicitors who visit them.

Resources

• National Center on Elder Abuse website
• Additional information on Elder Abuse