How Estate Planning Can Protect Loved Ones from Elder Scams

Financial scams targeting older adults are becoming more common, and more sophisticated. Many families across Pennsylvania are discovering that a parent or grandparent has been deceived by fraudsters pretending to be government agencies, banks, or even family members.

Some victims have lost tens of thousands of dollars before anyone realizes what happened.

Estate planning can help prevent this. With the right legal documents in place, trusted individuals can be empowered to monitor finances, step in during emergencies, and prevent financial abuse before it happens.

This article explains why older adults are at risk, how estate planning provides protection, and what Pennsylvania families can do to secure their loved ones today.

Why Older Adults Are Vulnerable to Scams

Scammers often target older adults because they are perceived as more trusting, less familiar with modern technology, or isolated from support systems. Age-related changes in memory, cognitive function, or hearing can also increase vulnerability.

Common scams include:

• Phone calls from fake IRS or Medicare representatives

• Emails or texts pretending to be from banks or utility companies

• “Grandparent scams” where someone pretends to be a relative in trouble

• Investment or lottery schemes promising large returns

These scams often create a false sense of urgency and use fear to manipulate victims. Once money is sent, it is very difficult to recover.

What We Are Seeing in Real Life

At Entrusted Legacy Law, we have worked with multiple families in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Erie who have faced these heartbreaking scenarios:

• A widow wired $18,000 after being told her Social Security benefits would be cut off

• A grandfather sent gift cards to a scammer posing as a family member

• An older adult gave out online banking credentials to someone claiming to offer technical support

The most common thread in these stories is that the family had no legal authority to step in until it was too late.

How Estate Planning Prevents Elder Scams

Estate planning is not only about what happens after someone dies. It also provides legal tools that protect people while they are alive, especially as they age.

Here are three key ways estate planning helps protect against financial scams:

1. Financial Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your finances if you are unable to do so. This includes:

• Monitoring bank accounts for suspicious activity

• Paying bills and handling routine transactions

• Freezing or closing accounts if fraud is suspected

This document must be signed while the person still has legal mental capacity. Without it, family members would need to go to court to be appointed as a guardian or conservator.

2. Healthcare Power of Attorney

This document allows a chosen individual to make medical decisions if the person becomes incapacitated. While it is not directly related to finances, it plays an essential role in ensuring a trusted advocate can make care-related decisions if cognitive decline occurs.

3. Revocable Living Trust

For individuals with larger estates or more complex needs, a revocable living trust can provide ongoing oversight. Assets held in the trust can be managed by a trustee who acts according to the instructions in the trust.

A trust can help:

• Limit who has access to funds

• Require dual signatures for certain transactions

• Prevent others from manipulating the individual into giving away money

It also helps avoid probate, which is often a public process that scammers can exploit.

Signs It May Be Time to Act

It can be difficult to know when to initiate an estate planning conversation. However, the earlier the better.

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to talk to a professional:

• Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts

• Confusion about bills or money

• Repeated mention of suspicious phone calls or emails

• Isolation from family or friends

• Early signs of memory loss or forgetfulness

Even if your loved one is still functioning independently, creating a plan now allows you to act quickly if their capacity declines.

The Cost of Waiting

Without a power of attorney or trust, family members have limited options. In most cases, they would have to go through a formal guardianship process to gain authority, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Meanwhile, scammers may continue to take advantage of the situation, leading to further financial loss and emotional distress.

Planning ahead is always easier, more affordable, and more effective than reacting in crisis.

Why Planning in Pennsylvania Is Unique

Estate planning laws vary by state. In Pennsylvania, documents must follow specific legal standards to be valid and enforceable.

For example:

• Financial powers of attorney must include special notices and be properly witnessed

• Trusts must be funded correctly to avoid probate

• Certain assets may need special attention to preserve Medicaid eligibility

Working with an attorney who understands Pennsylvania estate law ensures that your plan will actually work when your family needs it most.

How Entrusted Legacy Law Supports Families

At Entrusted Legacy Law, we focus on heart-centered estate planning that protects what matters most: your family, your legacy, and your peace of mind. We do not bill by the hour.

We work on a flat fee, and we build lasting relationships with our clients.

We help families:

• Draft legally sound powers of attorney

• Set up protective trusts

• Avoid probate through smart asset planning

• Educate family members on red flags and next steps

Whether your parent is facing cognitive decline or you are simply planning ahead, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Take the First Step Today

Financial fraud targeting older adults is on the rise. You can help stop it before it starts.

Schedule a free consultation with our estate planning team to learn how to protect your loved ones with the right legal tools.

Visit this link to get started:https://book.entrustedlegacy.law/#/introcall