Have your elderly parents been victims of fraud? You’re not alone. Scams targeting older adults are on the rise. In 2023 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 101,000 elder fraud complaints, representing more than $3.4 billion in reported losses.
From online romance scams and government impersonation to fake tech support calls and home repair services, these crimes are designed to exploit trust, steal money, and compromise personal information. Knowing what to do next can help you protect your loved ones and prevent further damage.
What should you do next?
If an elder fraud victim in your family has been targeted, the first step is to document the details of the crime. This includes the scammer’s name, phone number, email, website, or company name — which a quick online search can find. Also, note dates, what was said or done, and keep any receipts, emails, or text messages related to the scam. These will be important later as evidence.
Once you have this information, help your parent file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Explain how the scam happened, any payment methods used, and include all relevant documents or proof you collected.
While your complaint is being reviewed, it’s important to contact their bank and credit card companies to block or reverse fraudulent charges and secure account access. You can also request a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus. This helps protect their credit scores and prevents new accounts from being opened without permission.
Computer security next steps
If the scam involved their computer, lock down their device right away. Make sure all antivirus and security software are current, and use reputable anti-virus programs and firewalls to help block new threats. Setting a shared family password or phrase can also help verify your identity before sharing personal information.
Scammers often use pop-ups to spread malicious software, so watch out for signs of malware. If a pop-up or locked screen appears, disconnect their device from the internet and shut it down. Enable pop-up blockers to prevent them from reappearing.
Most importantly, be careful when downloading. Remind your parents to never open email attachments from unknown senders or suspicious forwards — even from friends or family.
Why you should contact an attorney
Even after you take action, your parents may still need protection and support. For many senior citizens, losing money is only part of the harm. Victims often feel ashamed, embarrassed, or blame themselves — even though it’s not their fault.
They might become anxious, depressed, or pull away from friends and family. Often they lose confidence managing their finances, or fear losing their independence if loved ones discover the fraud. Being supportive, patient, and reassuring them they are not alone can help them heal both emotionally and financially.
Has your parent been the victim of identity theft or credit fraud? When you need expert legal help, Brennan Law, elder financial abuse attorney, is on your side. He quickly reviews a case, determines if legal action can recover stolen money, and understands California elder protection laws to protect your family’s future. When you need a California elder fraud attorney to fight for your rights, call Brennan Law today.