Elder fraud is a growing problem, and scams targeting seniors are prevalent and costly. The FBI estimates that the millions of older Americans who fall victim to some type of financial fraud each year lose more than $3 billion to fraudsters. 

Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite and are likely to have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit – making them very attractive to scammers. Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be embarrassed by having been scammed, or concerned that their relatives will lose confidence in their abilities to manage their own financial affairs.

Seniors, as well as those who have a hand in caring for an older loved one, should be informed on how to spot, handle and report elder fraud schemes.

Below are some resources for elder fraud education. We share similar resources with Caregivers so they know how to spot potential signs of fraud when caring for their clients. 

Educational Resources 

• The FBI provides helpful information on common elder fraud schemes and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
• AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is a free resource with tips on how to spot scams, guidance from fraud specialists on what to do if you or a loved one have been targeted, and watchdog alerts on the latest scam information in the news and/or in your specific area. AARP also advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law. For additional help and support, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. 
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers fraud prevention resources including a free, downloadable “Money Smart for Older Adults” Resource Guide and a supplement to the Guide on recent COVID-19 Scams.
• DailyCaring.com lists 5 Ways to Prevent Elder Fraud. 
• The National Council on Aging (NCOA) shares the Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors. 

How to Report Elder Fraud 

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, there is help and support available: 

• Get free help from the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline by calling 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET. You will be connected to a case manager that will walk with you through the reporting process. 
• Contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. 
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asks all citizens to report anything you think may be a fraud, scam, or bad business practice at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you or a loved one has been a victim of identity theft, report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.