EXPLOITING GRANDMA IS A CRIME — Holding Financial Predators Accountable in California

Financial abuse of the elderly isn’t just immoral — it’s illegal

Yet thousands of seniors across California lose their life savings, inheritances, and dignity each year to predators disguised as caregivers, family, contractors, and even so-called professionals.

At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys aggressively pursue justice on behalf of elderly victims and their families. If someone has stolen from a senior you love, we can help hold them accountable — and recover the financial losses.


Financial Exploitation of Seniors Is Shockingly Common

According to the National Adult Protective Services Association, 1 in 20 older Americans reports financial mistreatment — and experts believe the majority of cases go unreported. Why?

Because the abusers are often:

  • Trusted helpers or caregivers

  • Telemarketers posing as officials

  • Salespeople or scammers

  • Even family members

These crimes are devastating, and for many seniors, there is little time or income left to recover from the damage.

Common Forms of Elder Financial Abuse in California

Theft from Their Homes

Seniors living independently often depend on outside help — housekeepers, health aides, delivery drivers. Unfortunately, these visitors can misuse that access to steal cash, checks, credit cards, or sensitive documents.

Theft in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living

In group living settings, seniors have even less privacy — making them easier targets for dishonest staff or visitors. Theft of belongings, financial documents, or even identity information is not uncommon.

Telemarketing and Phone Scams

Seniors are frequent victims of phone fraud. Common scams include:

  • “Grandchild in trouble” fake emergencies

  • IRS or Medicare impersonation

  • Bank fraud alerts requesting sensitive info

  • Fake charities or sweepstakes

Many older adults lack the tech tools or skepticism to screen these scams.

Abuse by Professionals

Some of the worst offenders wear suits and ties. Seniors are regularly targeted by:

  • Dishonest financial advisors

  • Shady contractors

  • Greedy auto shops

  • Unscrupulous attorneys or real estate agents

Even licensed professionals have been caught exploiting elderly clients into buying unnecessary services or turning over access to financial accounts.

Salespeople, Servers, and Hospitality Staff

People working for tips sometimes exploit seniors by:

  • Adding extra charges

  • Misleading about pricing

  • Over-selling services

  • Taking advantage of poor eyesight or confusion

It’s a form of quiet theft, but it adds up quickly.

Family Members

This is the most heartbreaking of all. Some relatives — even those with power of attorney — steal from parents or grandparents through:

  • Unauthorized withdrawals

  • Misuse of joint accounts

  • Theft of valuables

  • Credit card fraud

California law recognizes this as a serious form of elder abuse — and so does R23 Law.

California Law Protects Seniors — So Does R23 Law

Under California Civil Code §3345, when someone over 65 is financially abused due to “unfair or deceptive acts or practices,” they may be entitled to:

Treble Damages

That’s triple the amount of the actual financial loss — up to $3,000 or more.

Court-Enforced Compensation

Judges may also award additional damages, legal fees, and restitution when a predator violates elder financial protection laws.

Example: If a caregiver uses a senior’s credit card to buy a $1,000 TV? They could owe $3,000 in damages, not including penalties.

R23 Law’s Elder Abuse Lawyers Fight Back

Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys are passionate about protecting seniors from financial predators. We pursue justice on behalf of clients who have experienced:

  • Theft by caregivers or home aides

  • Financial scams by contractors or phone callers

  • Unauthorized use of credit or banking accounts

  • Family betrayal involving inheritance or joint accounts

  • Abuse of trust by professionals or salespeople

You Don’t Have to Face Elder Financial Abuse Alone

If you or a loved one has suffered financial abuse — even if you’re unsure who did it — we’re here to help. At R23 Law, we treat these cases with urgency, discretion, and unwavering care.

📞 Contact our California Consumer Protection team today for a free consultation. We’ll investigate the abuse, calculate the financial damage, and pursue full legal accountability — with no fees unless we win.

Previous
Previous

WHEN “SMITH HAPPENS” — How Common Last Names Can Derail Your Credit Report

Next
Next

BACKGROUND CHECK BLUNDERS — When Screening Violates Your Rights