Protecting Vulnerable Assets from Hidden Abuse

When an older adult’s finances don’t align with their lifestyle—or trusted individuals begin exerting control over their money—financial exploitation may be occurring. Forensic accounting offers a neutral, methodical way to assess the flow of funds, detect misuse, and provide documentation that holds up in court or protective proceedings.

Forensic Services for Elder Exploitation

Transaction Review & Fund Tracing

• Review of bank and credit card accounts for irregularities

• Identification of ATM withdrawals, check activity, or transfers inconsistent with historical patterns

• Tracing of funds through third-party accounts or newly opened institutions

Gift & Transfer Analysis

• Documentation of large transfers, property sales, or “loans” made to family, friends, or caregivers

• Evaluation of frequency, timing, and benefit to the elder

• Identification of coercive patterns or suspicious timing (e.g. near death or decline)

Income vs. Lifestyle Evaluation

• Comparison of known income (Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts) to spending patterns

• Identification of diverted income, missing deposits, or irregular automatic debits

• Spending analysis during periods of incapacity, hospitalization, or cognitive decline

Power of Attorney & Fiduciary Review

• Review of financial activity by guardians, conservators, or POA agents

• Cross-checking legal authority against transactions made

• Assessment of compliance with fiduciary standards

Signs to Watch For

• Unexplained changes in account balances.

• Missing checks, debit cards, or financial statements

• New joint accounts or added signers

• Sudden loans, transfers, or large gifts to relatives or caregivers

• Pressure to change wills, deeds, or beneficiary designations

• Decline in standard of living without explanation

Investigations May Support

• Adult Protective Services investigations

• Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings

• Contested wills or probate challenges

• Civil litigation for theft or breach of fiduciary duty

• Criminal elder exploitation prosecutions

• Family interventions for suspicious caregiver activity