Protecting Older Adults from Financial Exploitation in Pennsylvania
Financial exploitation can involve a stranger, caregiver, acquaintance, or family member. Warning signs deserve attention, especially when an older adult is being pressured, isolated, or prevented from understanding what is happening with their money.
Warning signs to discuss
Unexplained withdrawals, unpaid bills despite adequate funds, or sudden changes in spending.
New requests for secrecy, urgent payments, gift cards, or transfers to an unfamiliar account.
A person controlling access to the older adult or speaking for them against their wishes.
Unexpected changes to account ownership, beneficiaries, deeds, or legal documents.
One sign alone may have an innocent explanation. Approach the conversation calmly, listen to the person’s account, and avoid blame. A person who feels embarrassed or threatened may be less willing to ask for help.
What to do if you suspect exploitation
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Pennsylvania’s 24-hour elder abuse reporting hotline is 1-800-490-8505. Reports can be made anonymously, and suspected abuse can be reported wherever the older adult lives.
Contact the financial institution’s fraud department promptly when an account or payment may be involved. Preserve messages, statements, receipts, names, dates, and other evidence. Consider reporting suspected criminal conduct to local law enforcement. Do not delay a report while trying to assemble a perfect file.
Build safeguards that respect independence
Verify unexpected requests using a known telephone number, not the number provided in the message.
Discuss account alerts and a trusted contact with the financial institution.
Review bills and statements with permission, and agree on a way to raise concerns.
Keep important documents accessible to the right people and protect account credentials.
Review legal authority carefully
A power of attorney can help with financial management, but it also gives an agent important authority. Careful selection, clear instructions, and appropriate oversight matter. A document alone cannot prevent misconduct. If an agent may be misusing authority, prompt legal advice can help identify available remedies.
Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Aging: report elder abuse; Pennsylvania financial exploitation resources.
Contact Jacobs, Wilson & Onofry to discuss how these issues apply to your circumstances.
Sources checked October 1, 2026. This article provides general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and individual circumstances can change the result.