Financial exploitation occurs when a person misuses or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult for his or her own personal benefit. Experts say that as America ages, financial exploitation is rising.

Each year, elderly Americans lose almost $3 billion because of exploitation, according to The MetLife Study of Elder Financial Abuse. Because the crime is often underreported, it is hard to know how many elderly people are affected each year. And while stranger exploitation does happen, perpetrators are often family members, neighbors or caregivers.

So who is vulnerable?

PNC regards any person age 60 or older as a vulnerable person regardless of mental capacity. Vulnerable adults are also those age 18 or older who are unable to care for or make decisions for themselves because of diminished physical or mental capacity. Business owners are at risk if they fall into these groups.

Recognizing abuse

Here are some red flags that could indicate financial exploitation of an older or vulnerable adult. These are not the only scenarios, but are common indications of exploitation that financial institutions look for:

• Frequent large withdrawals, including daily maximum ATM withdrawals
• Sudden unpaid bills or non-sufficient funds activity
• Debit transactions that are inconsistent for the customer
• Uncharacteristic attempts to wire large sums of money
• Disregarding penalties while losing CDs or accounts
• Withdrawal requests when the customer appears vulnerable and financially exploitable

Unusual or strained interactions with caregivers or others may indicate a problem. Financial institutions are also on the lookout for:

• A caregiver or others who show excessive interest in the customer’s finances or assets, does not allow the customer to speak for himself, or is reluctant to leave the customer’s side during conversations.
• The vulnerable adult shows an unusual degree of fear or submissiveness toward a caregiver, or expresses a fear of eviction or placement in a nursing home if money is not given to a caretaker.
• Bank employees are unable to speak directly with the elderly individual, despite repeated attempts to contact him or her.
• A new caretaker, relative, or friend begins conducting financial transactions on behalf of the customer without proper documentation.
• The customer lacks knowledge about his or her financial status or is suddenly reluctant to discuss financial matters.

If you suspect exploitation, we urge you to report your suspicions to local law enforcement and the vulnerable person’s financial institution. You can also report suspicions to Adult Protective Services at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

By being more aware of these signs and being vigilant, we can work together to stop the scourge of financial exploitation of our most vulnerable citizens.