Every year, an increasing number of vulnerable adults become victim to financial fraud. Many times the predators are commercial, but they may also be caregivers, neighbors, and even family members.

The financial exploitation of the elderly has become a $2.9 billion growth industry in the United States, according to a study released by MetLife in June. This number is up 12 percent from a similar study conducted by the corporation back in 2008. The problem is expected to mushroom in the coming years, as the number of people over the age of 65 will double by the year 2030.

Starting prosecution against the predators in these cases can often be difficult, as the cases are usually document-intensive, and the legal system usually needs to move quickly due to the age of the victims. Also, some individuals and families will not report fraud at all because they are embarrassed or fear other repercussions.

Despite the tough legal process, some individuals and groups are making progress. For example, in 2008 Judge Julie Conger began California's first elder court, which focuses on cases where the elderly have become victims of emotional, physical, or financial abuse, or a combination of these. The court is said to be an amazing success. It has accommodations including increasing sound level, providing hearing devices, and large screens that display documents well enough for those with vision issues to see them.

In order for families or individuals who have been the victims of fraud to start a case, they must organize as many documents as possible showing probable abuse, and quickly seek legal help.

Source: The Oakland tribune "When the elderly become targets for financial fraud" Pamela A. MacLean, Aug. 20, 2011