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"Civil authorities warn that those over age 60 should be especially aware of fraud schemes. Seniors are prime targets because they often have good credit, some savings, and were raised to be polite and trusting. Also, they may struggle with memory lapses or other “senior moments” that make them less confident about reporting when they are victimized. If you have already been a victim of fraud, please reach out to someone you trust for help. You are loved!" -- "Fraud Prevention and Detection” class at Brigham Young University
National ELder fraud Hotline
National ELder fraud Hotline
If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311
Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. eastern time
English/Español/Other languages available.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), in 2022, there were 88,262 complaints of fraud from people age 60+ resulting in $3.1 billion in losses.
Financial fraud doesn't just impact your bank account. The mental and emotional effects that you might also experience can include anxiety, shame, and grief.
Resources from the US Dept. of Justice on financial exploitation of elders.
There are a lot of people without good intentions, but we can make good decisions to avoid the consequences of their actions. Being Christlike and turning the other cheek doesn’t mean acting naively, being a doormat, or letting others take advantage of our good hearts.
Warning Signs of Financial Exploitation Include: Sudden changes in bank accounts or banking practices, including an unexplained withdrawal of large sums of money by a person accompanying the elderly:
The inclusion of additional names on an elder's bank signature card
Unauthorized withdrawal of the elder's funds using the elder's ATM card
Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents
Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions
Substandard care being provided, or bills left unpaid despite the availability of adequate financial resources.
Discovery of an elder's signature being forged for financial transactions or for the titles of his/her possessions.
Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming their rights to an elder's property or possessions
Unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family
The provision of services that aren’t necessary for an elder.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation-0
Additional resources
Additional resources
Internet and Family Safety | TechWiki (churchofjesuschrist.org) : Online Wiki at the LDS Church website. Lots of great information and discussion pertaining to online safety, but more focused on children and families. Still applicable to senior adults though.
Fighting fraud against older adults | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov) : Good information on consumer scams targeting older adults.
Google Sites
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