How do I report elder financial abuse or a scam targeting older adults?
Report to Adult Protective Services (US), your local police, the FTC, and the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11. In the UK, contact Adult Social Care and Action Fraud.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Elder financial scams are a priority for law enforcement because older adults are disproportionately targeted and the impact can be devastating. In the US, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD-11) connects you with case managers who help navigate multiple reporting channels. Adult Protective Services (APS) can intervene if a vulnerable adult is at risk. File a report at the hotline and also with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
In the UK, report to your local council's Adult Social Care team if a vulnerable adult is at risk, and to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk for the crime record. Many police forces have dedicated Older Persons teams. For bank-related fraud, contact the bank directly and reference the Financial Abuse Code of Practice.
If you are reporting on behalf of a relative and suspect ongoing contact with a scammer, the most urgent step is to stop that contact if possible. Many elder scammers maintain regular phone contact to prevent the victim from discussing the situation with family. Ask the bank to add a trusted contact to the account.
For financial advisers or attorneys who may have exploited a client or relative, report to your state's financial regulator or bar association in addition to APS. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also accepts elder financial abuse complaints.
Common red flags
- An older relative is making unusual or large withdrawals from their bank account
- They are receiving frequent calls from unknown numbers and becoming secretive about finances
- Gift cards or wire transfers are being sent to people the family does not know
- A new 'friend' has become heavily involved in the older adult's financial affairs
- Bills are going unpaid despite adequate income
- The older adult seems fearful about discussing money matters
What to do now
- Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (US) or Adult Social Care (UK)
- File with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Contact the older adult's bank to flag potential exploitation
- Ask the bank to add a trusted contact to the account
- Report to Adult Protective Services if safety is a concern
- Visit /family-safety for guidance on protecting older relatives
Frequently asked questions
What if the older person does not believe they are being scammed?
This is common. Scammers deliberately isolate victims and create emotional bonds. Rather than confronting the issue head-on, involve a trusted third party such as a GP, solicitor, or the bank's vulnerability team. Report to APS regardless of the victim's current belief.
Is elder financial scam different from elder financial abuse by family members?
The reporting channels overlap but family-perpetrated abuse may also involve safeguarding referrals and potentially criminal charges for the family member. Adult Protective Services handles both external scams and internal family abuse.