My Grandmother is a 89 year old who lives in a senior building alone. She is suffering with early stages of dementia but still is able to do for herself. We make sure all her bills are paid and she has everything need. The problem is my mom signed a document making herself power of attorney without my Grand-mom's consent. She even had it notorized without my grandmother being present. She has used to the document to be able to be placed on bank accounts which she is not writing checks to herself and withdrawing money using a ATM card that she has in her possession. My grand-mom has no idea that she is on her account nor that she has a ATM card. Every month for the past 3-6 months my mom withdraws around $500.00 for her own personal use. Every visit we make to my grand-mom's she never has groceries or other personal items that she needs. When ask if she wants us to take her to store she always says no because she doesn't have any money. My my is taking full advantage and stealing. What would I need to do to have this fraudulant document investigate and second to bring charges against my mom for forging my grandmothers signature to get this document to for the sole reason to miss-use financial funds?
I am surprised the banks let her add her name to your grandmother's accounts without your grandmother being there. Banks tend to be cautious with POAs. This is a good example of why they are.
Your grandmother does need POAs for finance and healthcare, but it sounds like your mother isn't the one who should be it. Do you know who is dependable and honest who could be the POA?
What stage of dementia is your gma?
Was this something that your mother had told you or was it your grandmother who said this? If it was something that your grandmother had said, you would need to check it out as with dementia, even if it is early dementia, there can be some confusion. I am noticing that with my Dad, he will become obsessed with something financial that he is thinking incorrectly.
And go back to APS and inform them that they have failed to act on an issue of financial abuse to a vulnerable elder, that you intend to involve the police and will not stop until the illegal activities have been stopped.
I was trying to think if you could get a PPO, but I don't think so under the circumstances unless your grandmother would go to the police station or courthouse with you to request a PPO be granted against your mother.
How is it that you found out about this? Do you have copies of the fraudulent DPOA as well as any bank statements?
Talk to the management of the senior building and inform them of the fraudulent actions and ask what is required to prevent your mother from access, if she still is visiting.
If she's been diagnosed as such and this isn't just a supposition on the part of a nonmedical person, that injects a different issue. If she was diagnosed, did the physician make a determination that she could still manage her affairs?
Perhaps APS didn't understand that you were concerned about financial fraud as opposed to a medical issue.
She also raises a good point in that proof is necessary to document forgery. One way would be to locate and contact the notary and ask her to confirm that she saw identification for your GM before signing the POA. You could also show her photos of GM and your mother and ask her to identify which one asked her to notarize the signature.
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