Caregiver Caught! How She Forged 32 Checks and Stole Over $18K from Elderly Woman

A shocking case of elder financial abuse has come to light after a caregiver was accused of stealing over $18,000 from a senior citizen by forging 32 checks.

Authorities say the caregiver, identified as Sudeep Biswas, had been working for 91-year-old Jayashree Mukherjee in Kolkata. Hired through a well-known senior-care agency, Biswas was entrusted with helping the elderly woman with daily tasks, but instead, he allegedly used the opportunity to drain her bank account.

How the Scam Unfolded

Investigators believe Biswas manipulated Mukherjee into signing multiple checks by telling her that her signatures weren’t matching bank records. Over time, he reportedly forged dozens of checks in her name, making unauthorized withdrawals and even using her debit card for personal purchases.

The fraud went undetected for two years—until Mukherjee’s daughter, Liza, returned from London and noticed irregularities in her mother’s bank statements. Alarmed by the missing funds, she immediately reported the issue to authorities, leading to Biswas’s arrest.

Not an Isolated Case

This type of financial abuse is becoming more common, with similar cases reported across the country:

• New York: A home health aide was accused of forging over 100 checks, stealing more than $30,000 from an elderly woman.

• Arkansas: A caregiver faced charges for allegedly taking $125,000 from a couple she was hired to assist.

• Washington: A woman was caught cashing 160 fraudulent checks, stealing a staggering $674,000 from an elderly couple.

How Families Can Protect Their Loved Ones

Cases like this highlight the importance of safeguarding seniors from financial exploitation. Here are some steps families can take to prevent similar incidents:

• Monitor Bank Accounts Regularly: Check for any unusual transactions and question unfamiliar payments.

• Use Automated Banking Alerts: Set up notifications for large withdrawals or unusual spending.

• Hire from Verified Agencies: Always conduct background checks and research caregiver agencies before hiring.

• Encourage Open Communication: Talk to elderly family members about financial safety and ensure they know to report suspicious behavior.

A Wake-Up Call for Families

This case serves as a harsh reminder that even the most trusted caregivers can take advantage of vulnerable seniors. Experts stress the importance of staying vigilant, performing regular financial audits, and ensuring seniors have a strong support system to prevent them from falling victim to fraud.

Authorities continue to investigate the case, and if found guilty, Biswas could face serious legal consequences.

For families with aging loved ones, this case is a powerful warning: always stay involved and keep a close watch on financial transactions to prevent elder financial abuse before it’s too late.