How do I stop neighbors from trying to take advantage of mentally disabled friend that I take care of Legally.

You're in a tough situation, but there are legal and practical steps you can take to protect your friend while maintaining her autonomy and dignity. Here’s how you can approach it:

1. Establish Boundaries with Neighbors

Be Direct but Polite: If neighbors are calling or asking intrusive questions, calmly let them know that your friend’s personal and financial matters are private and not up for discussion.

For example:

"Hi, I wanted to ask for your understanding. [Friend's Name] is vulnerable due to her condition, and it's important that personal questions about her finances or living situation aren’t asked. I’m here to help her with these matters."

Document the Conversations: Keep a record of any interactions where neighbors cross boundaries or ask inappropriate questions.

2. Educate Your Friend in Simple Terms

Set Up Visual Reminders: Use sticky notes or posters near the phone or computer with messages like:

“Do not share passwords or financial information with anyone.”

“Say: ‘You can talk to [Your Name] about that.’”

Role-Playing Exercises: Practice with her how to respond when asked intrusive questions. For example, teach her to say, “I’m not comfortable answering that,” or, “You should talk to [Your Name].”

3. Strengthen Financial Safeguards

Minimize Access to Funds: Use accounts with restricted access or require dual authorization for large transactions.

Secure Important Information: Store sensitive documents like her Social Security card and passwords securely, where only you have access.

Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on her credit file to prevent identity theft.
4. Involve Authorities if Necessary

Police Involvement: If neighbors persist in prying or asking for financial details, contact local law enforcement or community resources. Explain the situation calmly, and ask for advice on protecting a vulnerable adult from exploitation.

Adult Protective Services (APS): If you suspect someone is actively trying to exploit her, file a report with APS. They can investigate and intervene as needed.

5. Legal Protections

Power of Attorney: If you don’t already have one, ensure you have legal authority to manage her finances and make decisions on her behalf.

Restraining Orders: If a neighbor’s behavior becomes predatory or harassing, you may need to seek a restraining order.

6. Strengthen Social Support

Trusted Allies: Encourage a small circle of trusted friends or family members to provide support and be additional sets of eyes and ears.

Community Groups: Connect her with local disability or mental health advocacy organizations. They may offer programs or volunteers to help her maintain independence while staying safe.

Key Phrases for Neighbors

When speaking to neighbors, you can say:

“Thank you for checking in, but I handle all of [Friend's Name]’s personal and financial matters now. Let me know if you have concerns, and I’ll address them.”

“I appreciate your interest, but we need to respect [Friend's Name]’s privacy and boundaries.”

Your protective instincts are admirable. With the right balance of boundaries, education, and legal measures, you can help ensure her safety and well-being while managing your responsibilities effectively.

I think the laws vary by state im in new york. I had a brain tumor. Had a similarvl experience as you describe. Ppl taking advantage. I am blessed family had my back. It was tough i had my identity stolen money being taken squatters a couple thefts. Id say call the cops get restraining orders as necessary. I gave my parents payee status of my disability income payments. If possible get her to move in with family. Goodluck.

That's a very tough place to be. Clearly she shouldn't be allowed control over her own stuff since she can't manage its security. But police probably can't do anything with it as is until a crime has been committed or intended to be committed. Is there a way to have some mental evaluation done with her which would let the courts make some ruling so someone of her family or someone trusted can take over there?
I think you're doing great to help where you can with her.

I don't have any advice, I hope that is okay. But I wanted to say you're very kind for helping your friend.

Just remember to help yourself, too.

Unless you have power of attorney, there is little that you can do. I had a friend from church who noticed that her brother was in the clutches of a scammer and a user. He ended up legally taking all of her brother's money in his will when her brother died.

I recommend that you speak to a pro-bono lawyer and ask what your options are, and what you can and can not do to protect your charge.

I would get the police involved if the nosey neighbors can't let her be if they see law enforcement is authority then they would know to leave her be you are like her legal guardian so that makes sense.

Just leave her to her own devices. You can’t save everyone. If she doesn’t want your help you need to respect that

Well if you POA over her do a credit check to see if anything odd on her credit histoy

Judo neck chop

Contact your agency.