U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young joined a multitude of national, state, local, and Tribal leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and to increase understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.

“Throughout the month of June, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has focused on raising awareness of financial exploitation and other fraud schemes targeting senior members of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Our message to the public throughout our engagement on social media and at external events has been clear: (1) if something sounds too good to be true then it is too good to be true; (2) NEVER give out your personal identifying information, including your date of birth, social security number or Medicare number, to someone you do not know; (3) if something feels off to you in a conversation - whether in person, online, or on the phone - do not be afraid to end the interaction and verify the information. Finally, please never feel ashamed or embarrassed if you are the victim of one of these crimes. Fraudsters are skilled and know exactly what to do to steal your hard-earned savings. Reporting any suspected abuse to law enforcement may be helpful in ensuring that no one else is victimized.”

“On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day above all else, we want seniors and their families to know that you are not alone, and help is available if you or your loved ones are the victim of fraud or scams,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI is proud to work with the Unites States Attorney’s Office in New Hampshire and our partners across the United States to fight Elder Fraud and other forms of abuse perpetrated against seniors in our communities. This effort needs help from all corners of society to succeed – public service, private sector, advocates, family, and friends. If you suspect Elder Fraud or Abuse is happening, report it.”

“Elder financial exploitation – generally involving a known person who is deceiving and manipulating an older adult to steal from them – is a multi-billion dollar, and often unreported, crime. It is important to learn how to identify the signs of financial abuse and to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said Christina Fitzpatrick the AARP New Hampshire State Director. “AARP provides this information as well as guidance for people who have been targeted. Visit aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork or call our helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.”

Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trusting relationship with the victim. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological.

Millions of older Americans become victims of financial fraud and financial exploitation each year. Scammers find and interact with their victims in public places, by knocking on their doors, and through the phone, internet, or mail. They use urgency to confuse their victims, and often request funds be transferred into cryptocurrency, gold bars, gift cards and other forms of currency that is harder to trace.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its investigative partners work collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign and domestic-based schemes that target older Americans, such as Romance Scams, Government Impersonation Scams, Grandparent Scams, and Construction Scams. For more information on federal cases in the District of New Hampshire related to elder financial exploitation and fraud, please visit: justice.gov/usao-nh/elder-justice.

To view an Elder Fraud Public Safety Announcement by U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young and William Crogan, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations, please visit: youtube.com/watch?v=AbsKfWC69uc

To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-1, visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov, or call Homeland Security Investigations at 877-4-HSI-TIP.

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