Attorneys general play a significant role in keeping the most vulnerable members of our society safe, including older adults who are often targeted by scammers and other bad actors.
Scams and Fraud
Individuals over the age of 60 are often targeted by scammers as older adults tend to have more accumulated wealth, are more likely to live alone, and may have medical conditions that make them easier targets for perpetrators.
Elder Abuse
NAAG has launched an Elder Justice database, the latest member-only resource resulting from a collaboration with the Vermont and Oregon attorney general offices, the NAAG Center for Consumer Protection and our communications team. This searchable database contains comprehensive information related to elder justice initiatives by attorneys general from 2020-2022. It covers consumer protection enforcement actions, legislative efforts, public education campaigns, statewide coalitions, and specialized office units/task forces/positions.
The National Council on Aging estimates that 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced elder abuse. Elder abuse can include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect by a caregiver. For more information on elder abuse examples, visit Elder Justice 101.
Resources
There are several national agencies dedicated to preventing elder abuse. To learn more, visit our Elder Justice Resources or Long-Term Care Facilities page.
In 2018, Kansas Attorney General then-NAAG President Derek Schmidt dedicated his presidential initiative to elder justice. Learn more about actions taken during the 2018 Presidential Initiative on Elder Justice.
Courses and Trainings
Policy Letters
- Consumer Protection
- Elder Justice
NAAG Endorses Fraud and Scam Reduction Act
H.R. 1215 provides much needed education and training for the employees most likely to be able to detect and report elder fraud and scams. The bill also provides a mechanism for vigorous monitoring of elder fraud, provides information on such schemes to the public, and coordinates reporting with law enforcement authorities. For these reasons, we strongly urge the Senate to take action and pass H.R. 1215.
- Elder Justice
- Victim Assistance
NAAG Endorses Edith’s Bill
Throughout the country, attorneys general are fighting senior fraud and abuse. In 2019, several state attorneys general partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal partners to conduct the largest-ever nationwide elder fraud sweep against perpetrators who had repeatedly targeted seniors, resulting in losses of over $750 million.
Relevant Articles
- Consumer Protection
- Elder Justice
