There are many examples of elder fraud, including:

Tech support scams

Criminals pretend to be tech support representatives and gain access to a victim's device and personal information. They may diagnose a nonexistent problem and charge for unnecessary services.

Lottery scams

Criminals may claim to be lottery representatives and tell victims they've won a lottery or sweepstakes. They may ask for a payment to claim the prize, such as taxes or processing fees.

Home repair scams

Criminals may appear at a victim's home and charge for home improvement services that they don't provide.

Government impersonation scams

Criminals may pretend to be government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they pay money.

Family/caregiver scams

Relatives or acquaintances may take advantage of the elderly or get their money.

Pressure, threats, and intimidation

Criminals may try to force an older person to sign over assets or make them a beneficiary of their will.

Health remedies

Criminals may market ineffective remedies as "miracle cures".

Travel scams

Criminals may offer low-cost travel packages that cost more than market rates or don't provide the promised services.

Key indicators of elder fraud often include sudden financial changes, such as large withdrawals, unusual credit card activity, or unexpected changes in wills or beneficiaries. Additionally, if a senior shows signs of isolation or reluctance to discuss finances, it could indicate manipulation by someone close to them. Other red flags include unpaid bills despite available funds, missing valuables, or a new, overly involved "friend" or caregiver. Behavioral shifts, like anxiety around finances, may also suggest exploitation, especially if paired with suspicious financial activity.

Elder fraud is a significant and growing issue in the United States, with estimates indicating millions of seniors fall victim each year. According to the FBI, more than 88,000 older adults reported being victims of fraud in 2022, with losses exceeding $3.1 billion—an increase of 84% over the previous five years. However, experts believe these numbers may underrepresent the true scope, as many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or a lack of awareness. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) notes that older adults are particularly vulnerable to financial scams and fraud, and they are frequently targeted by scammers through methods such as phone scams, online scams, and predatory relationships. Studies estimate that one in five older adults may experience financial exploitation, with annual losses from elder financial abuse ranging from $2.9 billion to $36.5 billion. The Department of Justice and the National Center on Elder Abuse both emphasize that as the senior population grows, so will the prevalence of elder fraud. Efforts to raise awareness and support victims are ongoing, but the frequency and financial impact of these cases highlight the importance of proactive protective measures.

In the United States, several initiatives are actively combating elder fraud, which includes predatory marriages, financial scams, and other forms of exploitation targeting seniors. These efforts span legislation, law enforcement programs, public awareness campaigns, and specialized task forces aimed at both prevention and enforcement. Here’s a look at the key measures being taken:

1. Federal Legislation and Policy Changes

Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA): This 2017 law strengthens penalties for elder fraud and abuse and provides training for federal prosecutors to handle elder abuse cases more effectively. The law also establishes a working group focused on improving elder fraud protections.

Senior Safe Act: This act encourages financial institutions to report suspected elder financial exploitation by providing them with legal immunity for reporting suspected abuse, as long as they follow specific guidelines.

Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization: The reauthorization of this 1965 law supports elder justice initiatives and funds Adult Protective Services (APS) programs, which investigate elder abuse cases and provide resources to vulnerable seniors.

2. Task Forces and Law Enforcement Programs

Elder Justice Task Forces: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has established Elder Justice Task Forces in numerous federal districts. These task forces bring together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with health care agencies, to coordinate investigations and prosecutions related to elder fraud and abuse.

National Elder Fraud Hotline: Operated by the DOJ, this hotline (833-FRAUD-11) assists seniors who have been victims of fraud. Trained staff provide support, help victims report crimes, and connect them to resources.

FBI’s Elder Fraud Initiative: The FBI targets scammers preying on seniors by increasing investigation and prosecution efforts, particularly in online fraud cases. The initiative also coordinates with local law enforcement and provides public awareness resources to help prevent elder fraud.

3. Public Awareness and Education Campaigns

AARP Fraud Watch Network: AARP’s program offers resources, news updates, and scam alerts to help seniors and their families stay informed about current fraud tactics. They provide information on common scams like predatory marriages, phone scams, and phishing.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Office for Older Americans**: This office publishes guides, reports, and resources to educate both seniors and financial caregivers on avoiding scams and recognizing the signs of financial abuse.

4. Local and State-Level Efforts

Many states have elder abuse laws that include financial exploitation. States like California, Florida, and New York have implemented programs that specifically address elder financial abuse.

Adult Protective Services (APS): Every state has APS agencies dedicated to protecting vulnerable adults, including seniors. APS can investigate reports of abuse, provide case management, and coordinate with law enforcement when necessary.

5. Collaborations with Financial Institutions

Banks and credit unions are increasingly trained to recognize suspicious activities, such as unusual withdrawals or sudden changes in an elder’s account management. Many institutions now collaborate with law enforcement and use specialized software to flag potentially exploitative transactions.

6. Technology and Online Protections

Tech companies, in collaboration with government agencies, work to implement scam prevention measures, including spam filters, identity verification methods, and online fraud detection for seniors using digital services.

Public-private partnerships have been established to reduce online fraud risks for seniors. For example, Google and the Cybercrime Support Network have teamed up to educate seniors on avoiding common online scams.

These coordinated efforts reflect a growing commitment to safeguarding seniors from financial exploitation, with a focus on prevention, education, and stronger enforcement measures.

To strengthen protections against elder fraud in the U.S., several legislative measures could be implemented:

1. Enhanced Reporting Requirements: Require banks, financial advisors, and caregivers to report suspicious transactions related to seniors, with legal immunity for good-faith reporting.

2. Stricter Penalties: Increase penalties for those convicted of elder fraud, especially for repeated offenses or fraud by caregivers and family members.

3. Financial Literacy Programs: Fund programs that educate seniors on common scams and financial self-protection.

4. Expanded Adult Protective Services (APS) Funding: Increase APS resources for investigations and services for elder abuse victims.

5. Digital and Phone Scam Regulations: Enforce stricter controls on telemarketing and online fraud, specifically targeting schemes directed at seniors.

These measures would provide a more robust framework for preventing, detecting, and punishing elder financial abuse.

The Senior Safe Act, passed in 2018, encourages financial institutions to detect and report potential elder financial abuse by granting immunity from liability to employees who report suspected exploitation in good faith. To qualify for immunity, employees must complete specific training on identifying and reporting elder fraud. The act aims to protect seniors by making it easier for banks, credit unions, and investment firms to report suspicious activities without fear of breaching privacy laws. It’s an essential tool in reducing financial exploitation among older adults.

The Elder Abuse Protection Act of 2021 aims to strengthen protections for seniors from abuse, neglect, and fraud in the United States. The Act makes the National Elder Fraud Hotline permanent, which assists older adults by taking reports of fraud and abuse. Additionally, it establishes a coordinated initiative within the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Elder Justice Initiative, which focuses on training for law enforcement and public awareness to prevent elder abuse. The initiative includes consulting with the Office of Tribal Justice and publishing resources in both English and Spanish to reach diverse communities.

The Act also addresses the need for comprehensive, publicly accessible resources to help local officials and law enforcement better identify and address elder abuse. Furthermore, the DOJ is tasked with creating materials on best practices to improve the understanding and prevention of elder fraud. This legislation reflects a growing federal commitment to safeguarding the elderly from exploitation and provides local agencies with tools to handle these cases effectively.

These legislative measures reflect broader federal efforts to address elder fraud in coordination with state and tribal entities, emphasizing education, support, and outreach for at-risk seniors and their families.

To further protect against elder fraud, several additional measures could strengthen existing protections and improve prevention. These include: 1. Enhanced Financial Monitoring and Reporting

Requiring banks and financial institutions to monitor transactions for suspicious patterns can help identify elder financial exploitation early. Advanced algorithms could flag unusual spending, large withdrawals, or sudden changes in accounts. Increased collaboration with Adult Protective Services (APS) and law enforcement would enhance reporting and response.

2. Mandatory Training for Caregivers and Professionals

Establishing mandatory training for professionals who frequently interact with seniors, such as caregivers, financial advisors, and healthcare workers, would help them identify signs of elder fraud and know when to report suspected abuse. Many elder fraud cases go undetected simply because caregivers and professionals are unaware of what to look for.

3. Strengthened Legal Protections and Penalties

Legislating harsher penalties for elder fraud, especially when committed by family members or caregivers, could serve as a deterrent. Establishing specific laws against "predatory marriages" or other manipulative practices targeting elders would close gaps in existing legal frameworks, as these laws currently vary widely by state.

4. Increased Public Awareness Campaigns

Public awareness campaigns, particularly online and in senior communities, could educate older adults and their families about common scams and how to avoid them. Targeted campaigns that reach seniors through social media, healthcare offices, and senior centers can make elders and families more vigilant.

5. Encouraging Family Involvement and Communication

Families who stay involved in their elderly loved ones' lives can better spot signs of financial abuse. Open, regular discussions about financial matters, wills, and caregiving plans can prevent fraud and enable early detection.

6. Technology-Based Protections

Developing technology solutions, such as financial monitoring apps for families, can help identify suspicious transactions. Some banks now offer options for trusted family members to receive alerts if their elderly relative's account activity becomes unusual, which can help stop fraud quickly.

7. Community Support Systems

Expanding community resources, like legal aid clinics and APS, can provide more support for victims and their families. Greater access to local resources can help detect and address fraud quickly, especially for seniors who may not have family nearby.

8. Expanding Hotline Services and APS Resources

The National Elder Fraud Hotline has helped in reporting and addressing elder fraud cases. Expanding funding and access for APS and elder fraud hotlines could help streamline reporting and enable better tracking, investigation, and support for affected seniors.

Together, these measures could help detect fraud earlier, strengthen support systems, and create stronger legal consequences, ultimately reducing elder financial exploitation.

Elder fraud is widespread across the United States, with cases being especially prevalent in states with large elderly populations. In particular, California, Texas, Florida, and New York report some of the highest elder fraud losses each year, often due to the high volume of elderly residents and increased online scam activities. For instance, California recorded a loss of around $6.2 billion in elder fraud cases, while North Carolina and Texas also experienced significant financial losses, primarily due to family/caregiver scams and identity fraud.

Interestingly, South Dakota saw a marked increase in elder fraud cases, possibly due to improved reporting systems through financial institutions. Other states with high rates of elder fraud per capita include Delaware and Washington, where financial exploitation cases are consistently high.

Factors that contribute to higher rates of elder fraud in these areas include urban density, higher numbers of internet users among older adults, and possibly insufficient protections against caregiver and family-related scams. These trends underscore the need for both preventive measures and strong elder protection policies, especially in states with rapidly aging populations.

For further context, the FBI and IC3 work alongside state agencies to raise awareness and track incidents, aiming to reduce these high rates of elder financial abuse nationwide.

Florida ranks second nationally for elder fraud cases, primarily due to its large senior population. In 2023, over 100,000 elder fraud cases were reported, resulting in nearly $300 million in financial losses. Many of these incidents involve imposter scams and phone fraud, where scammers often convince seniors to provide personal or financial information. The high rate of elder fraud in Florida underscores the need for preventive measures and legal protections tailored to its aging population. These efforts are critical given the substantial economic impact on Florida's elderly residents.