Elder Financial Abuse Info

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

Protect Yourself From Predators

Avoiding Tax Scams Fact Sheet (PDF)

Elder Financial Exploitation Brochure for Download and Print (PDF)

Elder Financial Exploitation Brochure for Download and Print (ESPAÑOL) (PDF)

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION

Protecting Your House of Finances From Scammers

HOW TO DEFEND AGAINST FUTURE ABUSE ESPAÑOL (PDF)

AARP Scam Alert Sign Up

AARP: Scam Podcasts

How Prevalent is Elder Financial Exploitation in Each State?

View our list of blocked tax preparers

IRS DIRTY DOZEN SCAMS

Quick Tips

Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize
Keep an eye on your financial accounts for any unusual activity
Before donating, verify a charity is legitimate
Hang up on robocalls
Be skeptical about free trial offers
No one should ask you for money upfront for a stimulus relief check, prize, refund, mortgage, or debt relief of any kind
Check the IRS, FTC, and other reputable sites for a list of the most common and current scams

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
Research before you buy, invest, or take out a loan to verify it is not a scam
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
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