Increased awareness, prevalence, and reporting of financial exploitation have prompted efforts to develop formal protocols (screening instruments); however, the lack of an operational definition of financial exploitation contributes to inconsistency in the development and use of these instruments. The screening indicators tend to be as diverse as the operationalized definitions, with most screening indicators focusing on the assessment of living environments, financial status, social support systems, emotional and psychological factors, and family dynamics. Unfortunately, the bases for assessing these factors tend to be rooted in assumptions that reflect a white, middle- class perspective and often do not take into account cultural differences. Cultural differences in relation to living arrangements, financial status, family dynamics, systems of social support, and emotional/psychological stress should be considered when screening for financial exploitation in minority communities, because there are some distinct realities in these communities. Only when cultural diversity in financial exchanges and family sharing is taken into account in screening for financial exploitation will research in this area be effectively expanded and appropriate interventions designed. 13 references