Elderly woman examines bills looking for elder financial abuse,

How to Spot Elder Financial Abuse in Ohio

Financial abuse targeting the elderly one of the most devastating and often hard-to-spot threats facing older adults today. In Ohio and across the country, seniors are frequently targeted by people they know and trust, as well as by professional scammers. Whether your mom or dad lives in a care facility or independently, it’s important to stay alert for signs of financial exploitation.

As an Ohio elder abuse lawyer, I help families recognize when something is wrong and take swift action to protect their loved ones.

What Is Elder Financial Abuse?

Elder financial abuse happens when someone illegally or improperly uses an older adult’s money, property, or assets. It can be as simple as taking cash from a wallet or as complex as manipulating someone into changing their will or signing over control of their finances.

According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, this form of abuse is far too common and can be incredibly difficult to detect, especially if the older adult is isolated, grieving, or experiencing memory issues.

Warning Signs of Financial Elder Abuse

If you’re concerned about your parent or another aging loved one, watch for these red flags:

  • Unexplained withdrawals or credit card charges
  • Sudden changes to a will, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations
  • Missing cash or valuables
  • Unusual secrecy around relationships or financial matters
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Requests for wire transfers or gift cards
  • Pressure to act quickly or keep quiet
  • Signs of confusion, fear, or anxiety around money

Many cases of financial abuse of the elderly begin with someone doing a seemingly innocent favor, such as helping with banking, paying bills, or offering advice. Over time, that relationship can shift into something manipulative or even criminal.

Read more: Who is Stealing from Grandma?

Who Is Most at Risk?

People most vulnerable to elder financial abuse in Ohio include:

  • Seniors living alone or in care facilities
  • Individuals with dementia or cognitive decline
  • Those who recently lost a spouse (especially if that spouse handled the finances)
  • Older adults who rely on others for day-to-day financial tasks

Common Financial Scams Targeting Ohio Seniors

Sadly, scams targeting older adults are getting more sophisticated. Some of the most common include:

  • Government impersonation scams – Calls from fake IRS or Medicare reps demanding payment
  • Romance scams – Online relationships that end with requests for money
  • Grandparent scams – Someone pretends to be a grandchild in trouble and begs for urgent help
  • Sweepstakes scams – “You’ve won, but you have to pay a fee to claim your prize”

Visit the Ohio Department of Aging’s elder justice page to learn more about common scams and how to report them.

What to Do if You Suspect Financial Abuse

If you suspect elder financial abuse, here are immediate steps you can take:

How to Prevent Elder Financial Abuse

Preventing abuse starts with awareness and planning. Here are some practical steps for your loved one to prevent elder financial abuse:

  • Choose a trusted individual to manage legal and financial matters
  • Avoid signing documents you don’t fully understand
  • Keep sensitive information like checkbooks and IDs stored securely
  • Stay socially connected. Family and friends are often the first to notice when something’s wrong
  • Regularly check your credit at Annual Credit Report

If you’re preparing for care or exploring costs for a parent or spouse, Understanding Long-Term Care Costs: A Guide for Ohio Families can help you plan more confidently and reduce the risk of exploitation later.

You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone

If you believe your parent or another loved one is a victim of elder financial abuse in Ohio, please don’t wait to get help. These cases are emotionally complex, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

As a lawyer and former nurse, I bring both compassion and determination to every case I handle. Contact me today for experienced, trusted legal help to protect your family.

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