Federal, state law enforcement raise alarm about financial exploitation targeting older adults

CONCORD ― In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan and New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella highlight the ongoing efforts of New Hampshire’s federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect older adults from fraud, financial exploitation, and other forms of elder abuse.

Older adults are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams involving imposters, investment fraud, romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and other forms of financial exploitation that can result in devastating losses. Many incidents go unreported, making public awareness and prevention critical components of protecting vulnerable residents. In recent years, investigators have seen a sharp increase in fraud schemes involving cryptocurrency transactions, fraudulent investment opportunities, government imposter scams, and online relationships designed to manipulate victims into sending money. Criminals often use pressure tactics, secrecy, and urgency to convince victims to act before consulting family members, financial institutions, or law enforcement.

“Older adults throughout New Hampshire deserve to live with dignity, security, and independence,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Our Elder Justice Team works closely with law enforcement, financial institutions, victim advocates, and community partners to investigate crimes against older adults, recover stolen funds whenever possible, and hold offenders accountable. We encourage anyone who suspects elder abuse or financial exploitation to report it immediately. Early reporting can make all the difference.”

The U.S. Attorney's Office Elder Justice Team and the New Hampshire Department of Justice Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit collaborate regularly with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, Adult Protective Services, financial institutions, prosecutors, victim advocates, and community organizations to identify and respond to cases involving elder abuse and exploitation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Hampshire Department of Justice are actively taking steps to combat elder fraud, including prosecuting those who target the elderly, recovering funds stolen from victims, and participating in outreach events such as the Financial Abuse Specialty Team elder justice conference held earlier this month at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.

Officials encourage older adults and their loved ones to:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media contacts requesting money or personal information
• Never send money, purchase gift cards, or deposit funds into cryptocurrency kiosks at the direction of someone you do not know
• Verify requests for money independently, even when they appear to come from a trusted person, business, or government agency
• Consult a trusted family member, friend, financial institution, or law enforcement officer before making significant financial transactions prompted by unexpected communications
• Report suspected scams and exploitation as soon as possible

Anyone who believes they or a loved one may be the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation should contact local law enforcement, the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services at nheasy.nh.gov, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and report the incident promptly. Quick reporting may improve the chances of recovering stolen funds and prevent additional victimization.