Top 5 Warning Signs of Elder Fraud
Nov. 7, 2025
Financial exploitation of older adults is one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse in the country. It can happen to anyone, regardless of income level, education, or background. Fraudsters target seniors because they often have stable savings, predictable routines, and trusting personalities.
Protecting seniors requires awareness. Recognizing the early warning signs of elder fraud can make the difference between catching a problem early and facing irreversible financial harm.
At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we’ve seen how damaging elder fraud can be. Victims are often too embarrassed or afraid to speak up, allowing the abuse to continue unnoticed. Our Dunkirk, MD elder fraud attorney helps families identify these warning signs, recover lost assets, and hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions.
Sudden Changes in Financial Habits
One of the first signs of elder fraud is a noticeable shift in how an older person handles their money. Seniors who have been consistent in paying bills or budgeting carefully may suddenly exhibit unusual financial behavior.
Key warning signs include:
Unexplained withdrawals: Large sums of money disappear without a clear reason or documentation.
New bank accounts or credit cards: Accounts opened in the senior’s name without their understanding may signal exploitation.
Missing financial statements: Bills, account statements, or checks start disappearing, often intercepted by the perpetrator.
Unauthorized transfers: Funds move between accounts or to unfamiliar names, sometimes even overseas.
These behaviors often go unnoticed because scammers work subtly, gaining trust before gradually increasing their control. Family members should regularly review statements or help set up account alerts to track unusual activity.
When financial irregularities appear, it’s essential to act quickly. Addressing potential elder fraud early prevents further losses and protects the senior’s financial independence.
Isolation From Family and Friends
Fraudsters thrive in secrecy. One of their most effective tactics is isolating their victims from those who might intervene. Seniors who suddenly withdraw from family gatherings, stop answering calls, or seem overly dependent on one individual may be experiencing manipulation.
Isolation tactics may include:
Discouraging communication: The perpetrator tells the senior that family members are “too busy” or “don’t care.”
Controlling access: The senior’s phone, mail, or social media accounts are monitored or restricted.
Emotional manipulation: The scammer creates guilt or fear to prevent the victim from seeking help.
Isolation not only hides the fraud but also deepens the victim’s dependence on the abuser. This makes it more challenging for family members to identify and stop the exploitation.
If you notice your loved one becoming unusually distant or guarded, it’s worth asking gentle questions about who’s helping with their finances and daily activities. These conversations can uncover early signs of elder fraud before major harm occurs.
New “Friends” or Caregivers Taking Control
While many caregivers and companions act with honesty, some take advantage of their position of trust. Seniors who need daily assistance often rely heavily on helpers, which can make them vulnerable to financial control or manipulation.
Common red flags include:
Unexplained gifts or payments: The caregiver begins receiving money, property, or expensive items from the senior.
Power of attorney changes: Legal authority is transferred without consultation or clear reasoning.
Excessive influence: The caregiver starts making financial or personal decisions without the senior’s input.
Reluctance to allow private visits: The senior is rarely left alone with family members or advisors.
In many cases, these individuals present themselves as caring and trustworthy, which makes uncovering elder fraud more difficult. Families should always verify major legal or financial decisions through independent channels, such as banks or attorneys.
When a caregiver’s behavior raises concern, documenting suspicious activities and consulting legal counsel can protect the senior’s assets and prevent further abuse.
Unfamiliar Legal or Financial Documents
Another major sign of elder fraud involves sudden or unexplained changes to important documents. Scammers often pressure or deceive seniors into signing forms they don’t fully understand.
Documents to review carefully include:
Wills and trusts: Unexpected changes in beneficiaries may indicate undue influence.
Property titles or deeds: The senior’s home or assets may be transferred without proper consent.
Power of attorney forms: Fraudsters may use these to gain complete control over a senior’s finances.
Bank authorizations: Adding a new signer to an account can grant access to significant funds.
These fraudulent actions often take place quietly. A dishonest caregiver, family member, or acquaintance may forge signatures or use confusion to gain consent. Reviewing legal paperwork regularly with a trusted advisor can help catch inconsistencies early.
When our firm reviews suspected cases of elder fraud, we work closely with financial institutions and law enforcement to confirm who initiated each change and whether the senior understood their actions. This approach allows families to correct fraudulent transfers and restore rightful ownership.
Emotional or Behavioral Changes
Beyond financial and legal indicators, emotional and behavioral changes can also signal that something’s wrong. Victims of elder fraud often experience shame, fear, or denial—especially if the scammer is someone they trust.
Common behavioral signs include:
Anxiety or depression: The senior seems nervous when discussing money or specific individuals.
Irritability or withdrawal: They may avoid conversations about finances or insist everything is “fine.”
Defensive responses: When questioned about new financial decisions, they react with confusion or anger.
Reluctance to seek help: Victims often believe admitting the fraud will lead to judgment or loss of independence.
Emotional changes can appear before financial warning signs, so loved ones should stay attentive to shifts in mood or social behavior. Talking compassionately, without blame or confrontation, encourages honesty and helps build trust for future discussions.
As with other forms of abuse, early recognition and intervention are key to stopping ongoing harm. Our firm helps families create protective measures, such as trusted financial monitoring and legal safeguards, to prevent repeat offenses.
How Families Can Protect Against Elder Fraud
Preventing elder fraud requires consistent attention, communication, and collaboration between seniors, family members, and professionals. A few simple steps can significantly reduce risk:
Maintain open communication: Regular conversations about finances build trust and make unusual activity easier to spot.
Set up joint oversight: Involving multiple trusted individuals in managing large accounts reduces the chance of unauthorized changes.
Encourage legal protection: Establishing durable powers of attorney and trusted estate planning documents helps clarify decision-making authority.
Use secure technology: Online banking alerts and password managers can flag suspicious activity before it escalates.
Stay informed about scams: Education about common tactics, such as fake investment opportunities or romance scams, keeps seniors alert.
We encourage families to act proactively rather than reactively. A supportive environment helps older adults feel confident discussing finances without fear or embarrassment.
Families should also consider working with trusted professionals, such as financial advisors, accountants, or elder law attorneys, who can review transactions and identify inconsistencies. Independent oversight provides peace of mind and an added layer of accountability, helping protect seniors from becoming future victims of elder fraud.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer Today
If you suspect a loved one may be the victim of elder fraud, it’s critical to act quickly. Financial abuse can strip seniors of their savings, independence, and peace of mind. At the Law Offices of Julie A. Schejbal, CHTD, we help families identify warning signs, gather evidence, and pursue justice against those responsible.
Our firm in Dunkirk, Maryland, proudly serves clients throughout Calvert County, Prince George’s County, Charles County, and St. Mary’s County. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our attorney can help protect your loved one’s future.