At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we understand how difficult it is to learn that someone you trusted has taken advantage of a vulnerable family member. We also understand the urgency to act. Knowing where to report financial abuse of elderly loved ones is the first step in protecting them and pursuing justice.
With over 40 years of litigation experience, our firm is recognized throughout Kansas and Missouri as a premier advocate for families facing complex elder abuse cases. If you believe your loved one is being financially exploited, we are here to help. If you have any questions about financial elderly abuse, contact us or call us at (816) 421-6868 for a free chat.
Understanding Financial Abuse of the Elderly
Financial elder abuse occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses an older adult’s money, assets, or property. In many cases, this form of exploitation is committed by individuals who are in a position of trust: e.g., caregivers, relatives, nursing home staff, or financial advisors.
Here are common examples of financial abuse of the elderly:
- Unauthorized use of credit or debit cards;
- Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts;
- Changes to wills, deeds, or powers of attorney without consent;
- Missing personal belongings or valuables;
- Coerced financial transactions; and
- Forged signatures on checks or financial documents.
These actions are not only unethical; they are unlawful. Yet they are often dismissed or overlooked because the victim is perceived as confused, forgetful, or unable to communicate clearly. That’s why it’s critical for family members to remain alert.
Recognizing the Signs of Financial Abuse in Elderly Loved Ones
Elder financial abuse often begins subtly. Small withdrawals. Unusual purchases. A loved one seeming uneasy when discussing money. Over time, these patterns grow, and by then, significant assets may be gone.
Some of the most common signs of financial abuse in elderly individuals include:
- Unpaid bills or sudden changes in financial status,
- Bank statements showing unusual activity,
- Changes to beneficiaries or estate plans,
- Isolation from family or friends, and
- Reluctance to discuss finances or fear when certain people are mentioned.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Taking action now may help protect your loved one and others from further harm.
Where to Report Financial Abuse of the Elderly in Kansas City
Knowing where to report financial abuse of elderly victims is a critical first step. Both Kansas and Missouri have state agencies tasked with protecting vulnerable adults, as well as additional local resources that can help intervene.
In Missouri, you can call the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210. Operated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, this line is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days per year, for reporting suspected elder abuse, including financial exploitation. You can also file a report online with the hotline at any time.
In Kansas, Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation throughout the state. You can reach them at 1-800-922-5330, 24 hours a day.
Additional resources for both states include:
- Local police departments. Contact local law enforcement immediately if you suspect a crime has occurred or is in progress.
- Long-term care ombudsman. These programs advocate for nursing home residents and can assist with complaints or concerns about staff or facility-related abuse.
- Financial institutions. Some banks have fraud prevention units trained to detect elder exploitation and may be able to place holds or report abuse to authorities.
You do not need to have proof to make a report. If you suspect abuse, it’s always better to act quickly. Professionals will investigate, and if necessary, intervene.
How to Report Financial Abuse of Elderly Family Members
If you’re unsure how to report financial abuse of elderly loved ones, the process may seem overwhelming. However, it can be managed with the right support.
Here are the basic steps:
- Document what you can. Gather bank statements, receipts, photographs, or any evidence that suggests misconduct.
- Make a formal report. Call APS or the Missouri hotline. Share what you know and follow any instructions they provide.
- File a police report if appropriate. Make a report, especially if identity theft, fraud, or threats are involved.
- Consult with a qualified attorney. Civil litigation may be necessary to recover stolen assets or stop further abuse.
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we regularly help families navigate this process. We investigate thoroughly, work with financial and medical experts, and take legal action when needed.
Legal Remedies and the Role of an Elder Abuse Attorney
While reporting abuse can help protect your loved one from immediate harm, pursuing legal action may be the only way to hold the wrongdoer fully accountable.
A civil claim can seek to recover:
- Stolen assets or property,
- Financial damages for emotional harm,
- Legal costs, and
- Punitive damages in egregious cases.
In situations where financial abuse is tied to broader neglect or institutional wrongdoing, such as in a nursing home setting, our team is prepared to take the case to court. With over four decades of litigation experience, our firm does not back down from powerful defendants or complex legal issues.
Why Families Trust Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we take on select, severe cases and give them the time, resources, and professionalism they deserve.
What sets us apart:
- A staff complete with medical and financial experts who help identify and explain patterns of abuse;
- A litigation-first mindset, which signals to defendants that we are ready for trial;
- A reputation across Kansas City for handling high-value, high-stakes elder abuse and neglect cases; and
- A client-first approach that centers on the needs and dignity of your loved one.
We are advocates. And we are here to guide your family through this difficult time.
Contact Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen Today
Financial abuse often happens behind closed doors. But you don’t have to stay silent. If you believe your loved one is being exploited, report it and then reach out to a legal team that can help protect what matters most.
Contact Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen today by calling us on (816) 421-6868 or scheduling a free consultation. We serve clients in both Kansas and Missouri and have built a reputation throughout Kansas City for handling complex elder abuse cases with care and precision.
You do not pay unless we recover for you. You have options. And we are here to help you pursue them.
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