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.