Alma’s story
Imagine a neighbor walks into Alma’s apartment while Alma is at lunch, takes Alma’s checkbook, and writes a check to herself for $1,000. Alma tells you that she saw a strange withdrawal from her bank account, and you help Alma call the police to report the crime. Depending on the laws of the state where Alma lives, the neighbor might be charged with grand theft, forgery, financial elder abuse, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, or another type of crime.
Texas law includes definitions of financial abuse or exploitation, laws about who must report abuse, criminal penalties, and other important information. The agencies that investigate or help with reports of suspected elder financial abuse include Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement, the long-term care ombudsman, and licensing agencies.
- If you believe a victim is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local law enforcement agency, or APS.
- If the victim is in a nursing home or assisted living facility or relies on home health providers, contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission at 1-800-458-9858.
- If the victim is a resident of a long-term care facility that receives Medicaid funding, report the criminal abuse, neglect or exploitation to the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at 1-512-371-4700 or 1-800-252-8011 or by e-mail at mfcu@texasattorneygeneral.gov.