How to Avoid Elder Abuse Scams

Fraudsters love preying on the elderly: they're often lonely, and they're more vulnerable.

Scammers take advantage of the fact that elderly individuals are often lonely, and in need of care. You can protect yourself or your loved ones from financial abuse by becoming familiar with some of the most common elder abuse scams. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they all target the elderly.

Grandparent scam

The fraudster calls the victim and pretends to be their grandchild who they haven't heard from in a long time. The "grandchild" will them ask for money for some unexpected financial problem - like paying for rent, medical bills, car repairs, or a jail bond.

Sweetheart scam

Fraudsters create fake online dating and social media profiles to forge phony romances with lonely victims. After professing their undying love, they ask for money to help with random expenses.

Telemarketing scams

Fraudsters offer senior care, medical equipment, products or services that the victim will pay for and the scammer will never be provide.

Falsifying legal documents

Fraudsters forge fake documents that will grant them access to the victim's confidential information or property. They present threatening situations to get the victim to sign them (without reading what the document actually says, of course).

Home repair scam

Fraudsters scour neighborhoods and appear on the victim's doorstep to fix a problem they noticed - like a clogged drainpipe or hole in the roof. They demand payment upfront and never deliver services.

How to report elder abuse

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, you can file elder abuse reports with the following agencies:

1. File a complaint at the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center here.
2. File a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Oregon Consumer Fraud center by calling 877-877-9392 or emailing consumer.hotline@doj.state.or.us