California's Financial Elder Abuse Reporting Act of 2005 (SB 1018) requires financial institutions to report suspected elder financial abuse to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement agencies. Elder abuse affects men and women from all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds and takes many forms. Elder abuse can be physical, psychological, financial, or involve neglect.

Because elder abuse involves family members, friends, and loved ones, victims are often too embarrassed or ashamed to contact the authorities. Therefore, it is up to caretakers, financial representatives, or other members of the community to recognize the signs of elder abuse and take action.

The following are some possible signs of elder abuse:

• Change in physical appearance: may include dirty clothes, unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, dirty or uncombed hair, or an unkempt appearance.
• Change in condition of the home: may include ignored maintenance, excessive garbage, strong odors, or neglected pets.
• Mental and emotional state: elder may appear fearful, confused, disoriented, withdrawn, isolated, or depressed; elder may exhibit strange behavior or use inappropriate speech; elder may misuse alcohol, drugs, or prescribed medication.
• Changes in financial behavior: may include numerous large withdrawals, often in round numbers; withdrawals made from share savings or share certificates, despite penalty assessments and without a clear reason; a relative or caregiver who seems overly concerned about the elder's finances or is overly controlling; or a new, often much younger person or "best friend" who is suddenly very involved in the elder's life.