As we approach World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, it’s important to spotlight a growing and insidious form of elder abuse: fraud and financial exploitation. Scammers specifically target older adults by tapping into their emotional and psychological needs. They may offer companionship, romance, a sense of safety, financial security, or even a renewed sense of purpose—only to exploit that trust for personal gain. These manipulative tactics can devastate not only the victims but also the families and communities around them.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, we observe this important day on Tuesday, June 17th, at the Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906. This local recognition of WEAAD serves as both a celebration of our seniors and a call to action to prevent neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Raising awareness through education and community engagement helps ensure that older adults are treated with dignity and protected from harm. Family members, friends, and professional caregivers all have a role in making that happen.
Fraudsters are skilled at adapting their strategies to match the vulnerabilities of their victims. Some pose as lonely hearts on dating platforms, offering affection and connection. Others impersonate government agents or tech support workers, preying on seniors’ desire to stay compliant or informed. There are scams that appeal to patriotism or religious values—convincing victims they are serving a higher cause by donating money or keeping quiet. Others use fabricated crises involving grandchildren or false threats of legal trouble to push victims into quick decisions. These schemes aren’t just crimes—they’re calculated emotional attacks.
Seniors are more likely to live alone, suffer from isolation, or experience cognitive decline, which makes them more susceptible to manipulation. That’s why loved ones—especially adult children, heirs, and caretakers—must be proactive. Keeping regular contact with older family members, watching for changes in spending behavior, and helping manage finances are all essential. Granting power of attorney to a trusted relative or advisor can offer a legal framework for oversight before problems arise. In many cases, seniors may not recognize or admit they’re being scammed, especially if the scammer has become a trusted figure in their life. Family members should approach these situations with empathy, not judgment.
Authorities also have a role to play. Wellness checks conducted by law enforcement, adult protective services, or private social workers can be lifesaving when abuse is suspected. These visits provide opportunities to uncover fraud, prevent isolation, and connect elders to resources. In addition, banks and credit unions increasingly offer fraud monitoring services and can flag suspicious activity when authorized to do so. Community groups and local governments can help raise awareness and foster support networks that reduce the isolation scammers take advantage of.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time not just to reflect but to act. If you have an elder in your life—whether a parent, neighbor, or friend—this is the moment to reach out, reconnect, and safeguard them from potential manipulation. Scammers rely on silence, shame, and isolation to do their damage. By stepping in with compassion, structure, and vigilance, we can protect older adults from one of the most prevalent forms of modern exploitation. Let June 15 be a starting point for ongoing vigilance, education, and advocacy in defense of those who raised us.
Walt Houser 