We have a situation where something just isn't right. To what extent, we don't really know. We have a 90-year old customer who got a relatively small loan earlier this year to help his grandson. Credit report was reasonable with a healthy credit score. Six months later, he renewed the loan. This time, his credit report showed new credit cards, a drop of nearly 80 points in his credit score, and had an increase of almost $35,000 in debt. The loan officer talked to him about his concerns with his credit report, but the customer didn't seem to be too alarmed. He knew about one new card, but seemed confused by another one. He has a checking account with us and keeps a relatively small balance and makes almost daily withdrawals, sometimes overdrawing. He is usually by himself or with his girlfriend/lady-friend, and occasionally his grandson. A teller reported that his grandson drove him through the drive-thru recently to cash a check and when asked how he wanted the cash, the grandson answered. When the teller sent the money back, the grandson slid the envelope in his own lap instead of giving it to our customer. We know that our customer helped his grandson in a foreclosure situation several years ago, and the loan officer is convinced the grandson is exploiting him now. We don't have anything else to go on. If identity theft has taken place it could be anyone, not just his grandson, who has done it. Any thoughts on what to make of this? Any similar experiences?

LA has mandatory elder abuse reporting rules. If you think there is abuse, you are required to report. If you report to the State agency, then you better file a SAR.

Randy,

Is it madatory in Louisiana (LA) or Los Angeles (LA)? I think the poster's location is Louisiana.

LA as in State.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:403.2(C), (D)(1)-(4) and (E)(6)

C. Any person, including but not limited to a health, mental health, and social service practitioner, having cause to believe
that an adult's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be further adversely affected by abuse, neglect, or
exploitation shall report in accordance with Subsection D of this Section...............

Don't just contact Elder Services and file a SAR. Obviously, don't lend any more to him. More importantly, do as much as possible to prevent everyone but him from accessing his funds. Play poker if needed. In my experience, elder services will ask you your assessment of his mental and physical capacity. Along with that, they may ask if any trustworthy relatives have access to any of his finances with you. Be prepared to document and report any such observations.