U.S. Attorney’s Office Launches Fraud Prevention Initiative for Older Americans to Combat Elder Fraud in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah is proud to announce her office’s efforts to combat elder fraud with the launch of the Fraud Prevention Initiative for Older Americans. As part of the initiative, U.S. Attorney Holyoak is visiting senior and community centers across the state of Utah to discuss elder fraud trends, tactics, and ways to avoid falling victim to these dangerous and sometimes sophisticated scams. 

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15, 2026, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Since May 6, 2026, U.S. Attorney Holyoak has visited over a dozen senior centers in 12 counties. Joining the Justice Department’s efforts to stop scammers from defrauding older Americans, she shares an important reminder: the Justice Department and other government agencies will never call you out of the blue to demand money, request gift cards or cryptocurrency, or tell you to move your money to “keep it safe.”  

“As technology evolves, imposter scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Their tactics are tricky and instill fear and urgency, but it is important that no matter how urgent the problem seems, stop, talk to someone you trust, and check in with the real business or agency – not whoever is on the phone,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “Along with this administration, my office takes fraud seriously and we will prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law, but prevention is key.”

For more information on how scammers try to defraud the older American community visit ejcc.acl.gov/imposters.