How Do I Know if I Can Trust a Caregiver in Palm Beach County?

In March of 2025, various sources reported that a “smiling scammer” had been arrested in Florida for defrauding a senior. This woman had gained the victim’s trust, posing as a legitimate caregiver while carrying out various acts of financial abuse. This incident raises an important question for seniors and their families: How do you know whether you can trust a caregiver? What happens if they attempt to scam your family? Can an elder law attorney in Palm Beach County help after an incident like this?

Scammer Steals Senior’s Vehicle and Forges Power of Attorney Documents 

The scammer in question prompted a serious response by law enforcement. Authorities took no chances, deploying a SWAT team to the neighborhood and ensuring the suspect’s capture. The investigation began when a concerned family member noticed strange transactions in the victim’s bank account and alerted the local police. Eventually, it became clear that the suspect had no real qualifications to act as a caregiver – and she used this position of trust to defraud the victim.

Her fraudulent activities allowed her to take possession of the victim’s vehicle, and she was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle as a result. It also became clear that the defendant had created fraudulent power of attorney documents – and we can assume that these forged documents allowed her to take possession of the vehicle. This document also reportedly allowed the defendant to freely use the senior’s credit card. One can only hope that the family’s losses were relatively minimal.

Caregivers Are Statistically More Likely to Defraud Seniors

 According to the National Council on Aging, a considerable percentage of elder abuse is carried out by caregivers. These caregivers are often unrelated to the family, perhaps gaining employment through private companies or government agencies. Families often assume that these caregivers are trustworthy, but it is important to carefully vet applicants to avoid potential fraud.

Even if the caregiver seems like the most trustworthy person on Earth, it makes sense to oversee their activities and create certain financial safeguards. An experienced elder law attorney in Palm Beach County may be able to help you put these safeguards in place.

Can Trusts Help Protect a Senior’s Assets?

 A trust may represent a positive asset protection strategy for vulnerable seniors – especially those with considerable net worth. When wealthy seniors enter retirement, the stakes are high – and scams could rob beneficiaries of their inheritance. A trust, in the hands of a reliable trustee, creates a financial safeguard by transferring assets to a separate legal entity, overseen by a trustee. The trustee must approve any withdrawals or transfers, providing an effective barrier against fraudulent caregivers.

Can a Palm Beach County Elder Law Attorney Help Prevent Scams? 

A Palm Beach County elder law attorney may be able to help seniors and their families explore various fraud prevention strategies – including trusts. These legal professionals may also help families explore options for legal action after losing money through scams. To learn more about your options, feel free to contact Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll at your earliest convenience.

Sources:

 thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/smiling-suspect-nabbed-caregiver-accused-of-conning-elderly-woman-in-fraud-case-210-banyan-drive-st-lucie-county-sheriffs-office-south-florida-news-march-19-2025?photo=1

ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse/