Undue influence is when a person in a position of trust coerces a vulernable elder into giving away or loaning money or property - either directly, or thorough a trust, marriage inheritance, or adoption.

How do abusers accomplish undue influence?

• By promising the elder to take care of them for the rest of their lives.

• By lying to the elder that no one else cares about them.

• By isolating the elder from social contact with other family members, friends, and society.

• By intercepting the elder’s mail, phone calls, and visitors.

• By worrying the elder with the fear that they will lose their house and be placed in a nursing home.

• By manipulating the elder’s food intake or medications so they become weak and complaint.

• By threatening the elder with harm, neglect, or abandonment if they don’t agree to do what they are told.

Be aware of the risks faced by your elderly relatives:

• Does the elder live alone?

• Does the elder still drive? If so, they may be prone to crashes, or be victimized by driving-related scams.

• Does the elder spend a lot of time on foot, in public places? If so, they may be targeted by exploiters who frequent banks, stores, parks, malls, and libraries.

• How many local friends does the elder have?

• Does the elder have information about housing options, care choices and support groups?

• Have the elder’s outside activities decreased over the past 3 years?

• Does the elder have family members in the area? Is there weekly contact?

• Who oversees the elder’s Power of Attorney, or the expenses of caregivers?

• Who regularly checks the status of the elder’s bank accounts, charge or credit accounts, or investments?

• Do you know where and from whom the elder is getting advice on financial and medical decisions?

• Does the elder know the popular scams that target the elderly?

• Does the elder seek advice of fortunetellers, "psychic advisors," or "spiritual healers"?

• Does the elder know when and how to call the police for emergencies and non-emergencies?

• How much do you know about the elder’s caregiver? Have you checked their references and criminal background? Do you know how?

• Is there a written service agreement for care, signed by the caregiver and the elder?