Illinois Woman Arrested for Elder Financial Fraud
An Illinois woman was arrested last week for allegedly defrauding an 83-year-old man. Gina Y. Robinson had power of attorney over the man’s financial affairs until his son noticed that his dad never had money, the 38-year-old woman was always issuing checks using his father’s account, and his dad’s two antique autos had been sold on eBay.
Robinson was arrested for forgery, financial exploitation of the elderly, and altering titles. Police say that Robinson allegedly persuaded the 83-year-old victim to make her his beneficiary upon his death. The elderly man told authorities that Robinson got him to makes loans on his homes so she could finance a coffee house, which has yet to open.
Elder Financial Abuse
Elder financial abuse is a serious problem—especially in light of the current recession. Elder financial abuse can consist of financial abuse or exploitation, fiduciary abuse, economic abuse. A financial professional, a family friend, a caregiver, or even a family member can target an elderly person for financial abuse. In many cases, people around the victim do not realize that elder financial abuse is happening. Elder financial abuse is a crime.
Not only is it stealing from someone but it can seriously affect the victim’s ability to retire comfortably and get the care he or she needs.
Some Signs of Possible Elder Financial Abuse:
• Unusual bank activity
• Unexpected changes to wills or property titles
• Suspect credit card activities
• The elderly person never seems to have money
• Missing financial documents
• Unexplained financial transactions
Elder financial abuse can be grounds for a Chicago injury lawsuit.
Woman accused of using power of attorney to rip off elderly man, Galesburg.com, November 2, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Elder Financial Abuse, National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Elder Financial Abuse (PDF)
Our Chicago, Illinois elder financial abuse lawyers offer all prospective clients a free case evaluation.
