Protecting Our Seniors: Staying Aware, Secure, and Empowered
While senior scams, financial crime, and online fraud and abuse dominate headlines, it’s especially heartbreaking to know that many older adults are victimized by people they trust most. Financial crimes against seniors have become one of the most concerning and fast-growing issues in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), there are two main categories of elder financial exploitation: fraud committed by strangers and financial abuse by family members or caregivers. Perhaps you’ve heard stories of these manipulations happening in your community, or maybe even in your own family?
There’s more we can do in protecting our seniors from financial crimes. Here are some tips for staying safe and aware.
The DOJ estimates that millions of seniors lose more than $3 billion each year to financial fraud and exploitation. The FBI’s latest Elder Fraud Report showed a 14% increase in victims from 2023 to 2024, with the average loss per older adult exceeding $33,000. Sadly, New Mexico, where my company, Electronic Caregiver, is based, has one of the highest rates of elder financial crimes per capita in the Southwest. This reflects national trends of scammers targeting smaller, close-knit communities.
Experts warn that criminals see older adults as vulnerable targets due to stereotypes about aging—being more trusting, less tech-savvy, or isolated. But seniors are far from helpless. Awareness and preparation can make all the difference.
Why Awareness of Elder Financial Scams Matters
Elder financial scams often begin with false trust. Strangers pose as bank employees, government officials, or even grandchildren in distress. They use threats, emotional manipulation, or promises of prizes to extract personal details or money. And while such phishing and phone scams targeting seniors are easier to spot now, modern versions have grown more sophisticated—often mimicking official websites or caller IDs.
At the same time, family financial exploitation remains one of the hardest crimes to detect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), about 1 in 10 seniors experiences some form of abuse each year, and only a fraction of cases are ever reported. Signs can be subtle: unexplained withdrawals, missing valuables, or sudden changes in wills or power of attorney. Trust is often what prevents victims from seeking help.
Practical Safety Tips for Seniors at Home
As an advocate, I remind seniors and families that prevention begins at home: “There is no substitute for being aware and prepared.”
Here are several effective measures anyone can take to stay secure and feel more confident:
- Lock your doors and windows. This may sound simple, but many break-ins occur through unlocked entry points.
- Plant thorny shrubs below ground-floor windows—nature’s own security system!
- Use light timers to give your home a lived-in appearance when you’re away.
- Avoid mail buildup. A mailbox stuffed with letters signals an empty home.
- Post signs and decals—a “Beware of Dog” or security system sticker can deter opportunistic thieves.
- Keep blinds and shades closed to protect your privacy.
- Leave a light, TV, or radio on when out to create the illusion of occupancy.
- Schedule errands during daylight. If you must go out after dark, ask a friend or neighbor to accompany you.
- Display a U.S. flag. It’s a traditional, welcoming touch that some believe deters potential criminals.
- Install an affordable home security system. Modern systems offer real-time monitoring, emergency alerts, and doorbell cameras at surprisingly low monthly costs.
- Don’t trust anyone you’ve met online that you’ve never met in person. The primary goal of romance scams is to exploit emotional vulnerability, especially in older adults, for financial gain through fake profiles.
Practical Safety Tips for Seniors Online
Staying Scam-Savvy and Connected about Fraud
Another key piece of elder safety is protecting personal information. Never give out Social Security numbers, bank details, or other private data over the phone or email. If someone claims to represent a legitimate company or government agency, hang up and call the official number yourself. That moment of skepticism could save thousands of dollars—and countless headaches.
Today’s trending safety topics include “senior fraud prevention,” “elder financial protection,” “aging safely at home,” “cybersecurity for seniors,” and “elder abuse awareness.” Websites like AARP Fraud Watch Network and Stop Elder Fraud offer free resources, scam alerts, and guided steps for reporting crimes.
Connection Matters Especially in Preventing Abuse
Above all, connection is key. Seniors who maintain strong relationships with friends, neighbors, and family are less likely to be victimized, according to a 2025 study by the National Institute on Aging. Checking in, sharing news about local scams, and encouraging open conversations about money can make every community safer.
There’s real strength in vigilance. Whether through “locks, lights, and look” or a quick phone call to verify a claim, small actions build big protection. Staying informed doesn’t mean living in fear—it means aging confidently, securely, and with dignity.
Take Action and Share the Message on Seniors’ Financial Crimes
Let’s all do our part to protect the seniors in our lives. Share this article with friends, family, and neighbors—especially those who may live alone. Encourage your loved ones to stay alert to evolving threats and talk openly about any suspicious calls, emails, or requests for money.
Resources For Prevention and Intervention
There are many reliable fraud fighters available to families and victims, providing real-time answers and resources. Here is a short list of some we partner with:
Free Scenario-Based Training
Seek, Grow, Serve, Love offers a no-cost, no-info-capture, scenario-based training on recognizing and responding to elder fraud and abuse. This training was developed by Christians familiar with cybercrime and remote attacks, who have had friends and family impacted by scams and fraud.
Center Founded by Former FBI Agent
The Center for Combating Elder Fraud Abuse was founded on February 8, 2021. The Center was created with the vision of reducing elder financial abuse in the United States. The Center’s vision is ambitious and daunting, but it is also necessary to protect 56 million elderly citizens from financial predators. The Center believes the late actor Mickey Rooney captured the sense of urgency to address elder abuse in his testimony before the US Senate Special Committee on Aging on March 2, 2011:
“I’m asking you to stop this elderly abuse. I mean to stop it. Now. Not tomorrow, not next month, but now.”
Romance Scams Affect Millions of Seniors
Advocating Against Romance Scammers drives positive change through comprehensive support, education, and advocacy initiatives. Their combined efforts in these areas and partnerships with lawmakers and organizations help to prevent, report, and prosecute romance scams. From educational tools to legislative advocacy, AARS provides the expertise and resources needed to combat romance scams at every level.
Swiped: How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers, and Identity Thieves
Increasingly, identity theft is a fact of life. We might once have hoped to protect ourselves from hackers with airtight passwords and aggressive spam filters, and those are good ideas as far as they go. But with breaches at huge organizations like Target, JPMorgan Chase, Sony, Anthem, and even the US Office of Personnel Management, more than 1 billion personal records have already been stolen, and chances are you’re already in harm’s way.
With a clear-headed, practical approach, Swiped by Adam Levine is your guide to surviving the identity theft epidemic. Even if you’ve already become a victim, this strategic book will help you protect yourself, your identity, and your sanity.
Report It!
If you suspect someone you know may be a victim of elder abuse or fraud, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact your local Adult Protective Services office, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1‑833‑372‑8311), or your local police department. By staying informed and connected, we ensure safer elders, safer homes, safer neighborhoods, and stronger communities for everyone.