How to Prevent Elder Fraud Abuse

Elder Abuse Awareness Month

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2026. The best way for you to participate in this day is to learn the signs of elder abuse so that you can better protect your aging loved ones.

Preventive steps

While your loved one can still make informed decisions, establish legal protections like power of attorney and health care directives.
Have regular conversations about common scams—phone calls, emails, texts, social media, and fake tech support warnings.
Ask them to consult you before sending money, sharing personal information, or making major financial decisions under pressure.
Stay connected through regular calls and visits—isolation increases fraud risk.
Set up account alerts (transactions, low balances, new payees) and review financial activity regularly for unusual patterns like wire transfers, gift card purchases, or repeated small payments.
Keep devices, passwords, and security settings up to date.

Warning signs in transactions

Sudden large withdrawals, bounced checks, or overdraft fees with no explanation.
Unusual wire transfers, P2P payments, gift card purchases, or crypto activity inconsistent with past behavior.
ATM or debit card use at odd hours or distant locations, especially by someone who doesn't drive.
A caregiver receiving excessive payments, or significant increases in monthly expenses.

Warning signs in account changes

New authorized signers, unfamiliar cards issued, or online banking changes the older adult doesn't recognize.
Statements redirected to another address, or abrupt changes to wills, trusts, or property titles.
Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to assets.

Warning signs in behavior

A friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, neighbor—or even a company—who dominates financial decisions, or tries to call in on a member's behalf, to conduct transactions or just get account information.
Uncharacteristic confusion, anxiety, or withdrawal—possible signs of cognitive decline or exploitation.
Excitement about winning a prize or unexpected financial opportunity.
Fear or discomfort when discussing finances in front of another person.

Reference: eFraud Prevention