Elder Financial Abuse Information

Older Americans are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation. Each year the Comptroller of Maryland joins the Maryland Attorney General's Office, Maryland Department of Ageing, Maryland Department of Human Services, AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), CCCSMD (Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maryland), MVLS (Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service) and myriad other partners in Protect Week and the Project SAFE coalition. This annual campaign raises awareness of elder fraud and financial abuse, offers prevention and identification tips and resources to help victims and family members.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15

Visit the PROTECT Week website for more shredding events, webinars, helpful articles and a slew of activities both live and virtual.

 

Quick Tips:

1. Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize
2. Keep an eye on your financial accounts for any unusual activity
3. Verify a charity is legitimate BEFORE donating by going to:
   https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams
4. Hang up on robocalls
5. Be skeptical about free trial offers
6. No one should ask you for money upfront for a stimulus relief check, prize, refund, mortgage, or debt relief of any kind
7. Beware of phishing scams online and over the phone attempting to get you to reveal your social security and bank account numbers- do not give those out
8. Research before you buy, invest, or take out a loan to verify it is not a scam
9. If a family member (like a grandchild) or other individual calls with a sudden emergency asking for money- beware as it is probably an imposter- hang up and call that person directly to verify the call
10. Check the IRS, FTC, and other reputable sites for a list of the most common and current scams
11. Don't Be A Victim Of A Fraudulent Tax Preparer: Beware Of These Warning Signs

Additional Resources:

• 1-833-FRAUD-11: National Elder Fraud Hotline established in 2020
• Adult Protective Services: 1-800-917-7383 Answered 24 Hours per day
• CCCSMD: This is the official Protect Week website, where visitors can peruse helpful resources, articles, and information related to elder financial abuse.
• Comptroller of Maryland: Identity Protection
• Maryland Attorney General's Office: Resources on avoiding elder fraud, and what to do if you fall prey
• MD Dept. Human Services: Home of Project SAFE, with important resources for Seniors to avoid financial abuse
• United States Department of Justice: Elder Justice Initiative works to identify and prosecute those engaging in elder fraud and abuse. Myriad resources for prevention, detection, and assistance including a resource roadmap
• FBI Elder Fraud: For the very latest on Scams and Safety
• NCEA (National Center on Elder Abuse): 1-855-500-3537 The NCEA provides the latest information regarding research, training, best practices, news and resources on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation to professionals and the public
• IRS: Tax scam alerts for consumers, updated regularly
• FTC: Helpfully lists current COVID-19 scams, stimulus check scams and other scams targeting elderly
• US Administration on Ageing: Offers important information on elder rights, fraud and abuse as well as a plethora of resources
• HHS (Health and Human Services): Offers a host of resources to identify and prevent elder fraud and abuse and get help
• AARP: Maryland specific information on scams and fraud targeting the elderly
• FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation): Has a Money Smart Program to train elder adults to protect themselves and their assets from financial abuse and fraud
• MVLS: Free legal assistance in Maryland
• CHANA: Tips to recognizing the signs of Elder Abuse, and resources in the Baltimore Region to assist
• National Council for Safety, Protection and Wellness: Tips to recognizing the signs of Elder Abuse, and resources in the Baltimore Region to assist