U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Baltimore, Maryland - Government imposter scams are a serious problem, especially among the elderly. Did you know that in 2025, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 375,000 reports about government imposters, with reported losses of $917 million?

Today, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) by joining the Elder Justice Coordinating CouncilLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. (EJCC), and other government agencies and organizations across the country, in spreading the word about government and business imposter scams. This is an opportunity to promote dialogue and action about the issue of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

One of the U.S. Attorney's Office's key priorities is combatting elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to stamping out elder fraud through investigating and prosecuting those who victimize our older citizens," said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. "We'll continue to work tirelessly to recover victim funds through restitution and forfeiture and engage in community outreach efforts, alongside our state and local partners, to keep people informed about how to spot and prevent fraud."

In response to this global issue, EJCC launched its Never EVER Campaign, to help raise awareness about how to recognize and avoid imposter scams. These imposter scammers lie and pretend they are employed with the government when they're not. Their goal is to trick victims into giving them money and/or access to financial accounts or personal information.

Tips for recognizing and avoiding a government imposter are:

• Never ever will someone from the government say: "Your money isn't safe. Move it to protect it." Only a scammer will.
• Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don't pay immediately. Only a scammer will.
• Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.

First recognized on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, WEAAD seeks to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect suffered by millions of older adults - crimes that are often overlooked or unreported. WEAAD brings attention to the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to elder abuse.

Learn more about imposter scams at ejcc.acl.gov/impostersLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. If you spot an imposter scam - or any other type of scam - report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov/Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/elder-justice-initiative.

# # #