Financial elder abuse remains one of the fastest-growing crimes of our time, with devastating impacts on older adults and their families. According to the National Council on Aging, approximately one in ten elders in America have experienced some form of elder abuse prior to the COVID pandemic and that number has now increased to one in five elders since the pandemic. AARP produced a report estimating that elders suffer an estimated $28 billion annually across the United States as a result of financial elder abuse.
In 2025, the aging Baby Boomer generation continues to hold a disproportionate amount of wealth, contributing to the growing prevalence of financial elder abuse. This massive concentration of assets makes seniors particularly vulnerable to exploitation, whether by individuals or institutions seeking to take advantage of their wealth. Unfortunately, abusers can be anyone—from caregivers and family members to unscrupulous companies and strangers—preying on the vulnerability of older adults.
Several factors contribute to the rising incidence of financial elder abuse. A key reason is the increasing number of seniors, many of whom live longer lives, sometimes without sufficient financial or personal support. In many cases, elder financial abuse is perpetrated by trusted individuals, exploiting these circumstances to gain access to the elder's resources.
Another contributing factor is the advancement of technology, which, while beneficial in many ways, has also opened new avenues for financial fraud. Cybercrimes targeting seniors, such as online scams, phishing, and identity theft, have skyrocketed over the last decade, amplifying the need for stronger protection and legal frameworks.
At Huber Fox, we understand that financial elder abuse has serious criminal and civil consequences. As a law firm focused on elder abuse cases, we pursue civil litigation to help victims recover stolen assets and hold perpetrators accountable. With financial elder abuse on the rise, the law has adapted by imposing harsher penalties on abusers. In California, for instance, the law may require abusers to repay three times the amount taken, and in some cases, to cover the victim's legal fees. The law also provides additional protections for "dependent adults," a category that includes both elderly individuals and younger adults with physical or mental limitations.
In California, a “dependent adult” is defined as someone between the ages of 18 and 64 who, due to a physical or mental condition, is unable to fully care for themselves or protect their rights. This broad protection ensures that more vulnerable individuals are safeguarded from exploitation.
Importantly, financial elder abuse cases can be pursued even after the victim has passed away, allowing for justice to be served posthumously. This ensures that abusers cannot escape accountability simply because the victim is no longer alive.
If you or a loved one is experiencing or has experienced financial elder abuse, don’t hesitate to contact us at Huber Fox. Whether you need protection now or are seeking justice for past abuse, we’re here to help fight back against this growing crime.
Huber Fox has a strong track record of securing favorable results for our clients. A few cases that highlight our efforts include:
- Recovered Real Property for a Granddaughter: Represented a beneficiary in reclaiming real property that was supposed to be inherited from her grandmother. After years of suffering from dementia, the grandmother “gifted” the property to an abuser, who sold it. On the eve of trial, we were able to secure a settlement for more than twice the value of the property that had been taken.
- Recovered Title to Home for an Elder: Successfully helped an elder and her attorney-in-fact recover title to her home after she was persuaded to “gift” it to neighbors whom she had known for less than two years.
- Restored Home Title for a Senior: Assisted a senior in recovering title to her home after she was convinced to transfer ownership to a neighbor in exchange for promised assistance around the house.
- Reclaimed Assets from Family Members: Represented beneficiaries in recovering real property and significant financial assets that were improperly taken by siblings from a parent suffering from advanced dementia.
At Huber Fox, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those affected by financial elder abuse.