Scamming the elderly

[Dixon7341]

What is the name of your state? ALABAMA I live in Georgia but the question regards my mother who lives in Alabama.

My 91 yr old mother lives in small town in Alabama. She has problems with short term memory but still is able to maintain daily living in her own surroundings. In an effort to let her stay in her home the 3 children (all live in Atlanta, GA) has hired a lady to oversee and check on her. This has been working well for several years until some real unsavory people moved next door to her. Mother has given them money off and on but it has now gotten out of hand as her memory worsens. In an effort to control this we had her SS check direct deposited as of Sept. and the care taker gives her some cash money to spend. Now this person from next door has conned her into signing checks. We have removed all checks from her house. But not before 4 checks went through.

One check is made out and endorse by this person the other three were made out to a grocery store for even amounts of money. I have secured copies of the checks and only one of them look like mother didn't sign it.

My question: Is there nothing we can do to this person? The Police Chief (very small town) says if mother signed them, then there is nothing we can do.

I am on the bank account as a joint holder and I also have Durable Power of Attorney.

Also, need to locate reputable Elder Care Attorney in Tuscaloosa, AL and have had no luck.

Thank you for anything you can suggest.

 

[seniorjudge]

I am on the bank account as a joint holder and I also have Durable Power of Attorney.


Then close out the account and start a new one with just your name on it.

 

[BlondiePB]

I am on the bank account as a joint holder and I also have Durable Power of Attorney.


Then close out the account and start a new one with just your name on it.

Unless the OP is also her mother's Representative Payee for Social Security, she does not have the authorization to have the SS checks transferred to another account, which would be a Representative Payee account for the mother. SS does not recognize a POA. I agree about closing the account. However, that does not solve the OP's mother's SS money unless the OP is the Representative Payee. I think it's time for this mother to go and live with one of her children, the DPOA selling the house etc., and putting the mom's money in a separate account (not Rep. Payee account) for mom.

 

[Dixon7341]

Thank you we've taken all the steps to stop the problem. The question is what can we legally do to prosecute this person to the fullest extent of the law?

 

[seniorjudge]

Thank you we've taken all the steps to stop the problem. The question is what can we legally do to prosecute this person to the fullest extent of the law?

Report it to the cops.

But if you have already done that and nothing has happened, then there's nothing else left for you to do.

 

[Dixon7341]

Yes I did report to the cops. They said nothing could be done if Mother signed the checks. But I can't believe that. There must be something to protect the elderly from those type of people. Thank you for your imput.

 

[BlondiePB]

Go to your local Social Security Administration office and file to be your mother's Representative Payee. You'll need your mother's SS number and the name and address of her primary care physician.

 

[Dixon7341]

Thank you very much.

 

[BlondiePB]

Thank you very much.

You are very welcome. If you also have POA over mom's health, have a talk with her doctor. Just focus on her signing over her checks to these thieves. Mom needs to live with you now.