How Private Investigators Help in Cases of Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation
Elder abuse is an issue no one wants to imagine happening to their loved ones – but it’s more common than many people realize. In California, where nearly 6 million residents are aged 60 and older, the threat of physical abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation is very real. The National Council on Aging estimates that 1 in 10 Americans over 60 have experienced some form of abuse, but only a fraction of those cases are reported.
Why? Because elder abuse can be incredibly difficult to detect. Victims may be isolated, cognitively impaired, or too afraid or ashamed to speak up. And in far too many cases, the abuser is someone close to them: a caregiver, family member, or trusted professional. These factors make elder abuse a silent epidemic, with devastating consequences for vulnerable seniors and their families.
One particularly insidious form of abuse is financial exploitation. From forged checks and stolen credit cards to manipulative scams and coercive “gifts,” financial abuse strips older adults of the security and independence they worked their entire lives to build. It can happen gradually and subtly, often without immediate red flags. Unfortunately, by the time families notice discrepancies or missing funds, much of the damage may already be done.
That’s where a skilled, experienced private investigator can make a critical difference.
At Kinsey Investigations, we’ve seen firsthand how elder abuse – especially cases of financial exploitation – can go unnoticed or be dismissed by overburdened legal and social systems. Our woman-owned, Los Angeles-based firm takes a compassionate, thorough, and discreet approach to investigating these cases. Whether you suspect someone is taking advantage of your aging parent or you’re an elder law attorney looking to gather solid evidence, a private investigator can provide the clarity and proof needed to take action.