What is Financial Exploitation? Financial Exploitation occurs when a person misuses or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult for his/her own personal benefits. This frequently occurs without the explicit knowledge or consent of a senior or disabled adult, depriving him/her of vital financial resources for his/her personal needs. Assets are commonly taken via forms of deception, false pretenses, coercion, harassment, duress and threats. The following are some commonly reported forms of financial exploitation reported to Adult Protective Services (APS) agencies: • Theft: involves assets taken without knowledge, consent or authorization; may include taking of cash, valuables, medications or other property.