How do we prevent misuse of a financial power of attorney?

Reviewed answer

A power of attorney gives substantial authority, so choose carefully and build in oversight.

In the US, get advice about your state's rules before signing or changing a power of attorney; free legal aid may be available.
Choose someone trustworthy and ask about limits, recordkeeping, and regular reports to another trusted person.
If misuse is suspected, preserve records and contact the bank, local Adult Protective Services, or legal aid about next steps.

Get help if

The agent refuses records, mixes funds, benefits personally without authority, or pressures someone who does not understand the document.