To better understand the context for the financial exploitation of the elderly, this analysis highlights the main features of exploitation, more specifically its extent, possible manifestations and consequences, as well as the principal means contemplated to deal with this form of mistreatment. This introductory paper also emphasizes the challenges and difficulties involved in various actions taken to detect, prevent and sanction the financial abuse of the elderly. Finally, it illustrates how abuse is viewed in law, and surveys a range of legal articles on the question.