Here are the rules that help prevent elder financial abuse in California

In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this month, our column has focused on how to prevent, identify, and report elder abuse.

More than 200,000 cases of elder abuse are reported annually in California, and our state’s financial elder abuse laws are some of the strictest in the nation.

Many are unaware that the financial exploitation of elders or disabled individuals is a criminal act and can be punishable by up to four years of jail. The law can also allow victims to receive civil awards for pain and suffering...