Final answer:
A registered representative should report suspected financial exploitation of a senior to regulatory authorities and Adult Protective Services, not ignore it or breach confidentiality by informing others without consent. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a registered representative (RR) suspects financial exploitation of a senior investor, the correct course of action is to report it to the appropriate regulatory authorities and Adult Protective Services. It is essential that they do not ignore the signs of potential exploitation nor handle the matter privately without involving external parties.
Reporting to family and friends is not advisable without consent due to privacy regulations, and may not necessarily address the problem effectively. It's also important to respect the investor's confidentiality and rights.
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, and financial. Financial abuse or exploitation is a serious concern and the elderly are often most susceptible to it, particularly at the hands of those they trust. Signs of elder abuse should never be ignored and it is the RR's duty to act in the best interests of their client, which includes protecting them from harm and exploitation.