Hey All,

We have a customer, whom is NOT the victim of EFE, but is afraid of and may possibly be the victim of physical abuse at home. She is 90 years old and confided in our front line employee to express her concerns. I know the bank is protected reporting financial abuse to APS, but are there guidelines surrounding reporting this type of activity? We would love to give APS a call, but I am unsure of the bank's liability and potential exposure to civil litigation as a result.

Speak to legal counsel familiar with the laws of your state.

For example, in Illinois anyone reporting suspected abuse is immune from liability if the report is made in good faith.

https://www.med.illinois.edu/depts_...20Neglect%20Reporting%20Requirements.pdf

I am aware of a bank that had a similar issue, they contacted the local police, then contacted the customer and set a time the customer could come back in "to sign updated forms they needed." customer comes in to bank, taken to conference room where police were waiting, had a conversation with the customer, and action was taken against the people who were doing wrong.

Georgia law protects anyone making a good faith report of suspected abuse. Financial institutions are mandatory reporters in Georgia for both physical and financial abuse.

Reporting Elder Abuse in Georgia

Mandatory Reporters