June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Press Release · June 12, 2026

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) urges Oregonians to watch for signs of elder financial exploitation. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization launched recognition of the day in 2006 to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect, including financial abuse, of older people.

While anyone can fall victim to financial scams, older adults are disproportionately targeted, especially those who live alone or are socially isolated. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, social isolation, loneliness, and declining health can increase vulnerability to exploitation.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that approximately 11 percent of people age 60 and older have experienced elder abuse. The NCOA says financial abuse estimates are about $28.3 billion in losses each year for older Americans.

"Financial exploitation is a devastating crime, and the number of cases continues to rise. The scams are incredibly sophisticated and ever evolving. With the number of devices and platforms at our fingertips, the opportunities for fraud are endless," said DFR Administrator TK Keen. "We must stay connected to our loved ones. We must remain vigilant to the most recent common scams that are perpetrated through crypto kiosks and gift cards," said Keen.

Elder financial abuse can be subtle and difficult to detect. Watch for these warning signs:

• A new and overly protective friend or caregiver, especially if the senior considers surrendering financial control to the person.
• Fear of someone or a sudden change in feelings about them.
• A lack of knowledge about financial status or reluctance to discuss financial matters.
• Sudden or unexplained changes in spending habits, banking activity, or estate planning documents.
• Unexplained checks made out to cash, unexplained loans, or unexplained disappearance of assets (cash, valuables, securities, etc.).
• Suspicious signatures on checks or other legal documents.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has some tips on how to avoid a scam as well. The FTC also recently produced a short video to help people avoid scams. The site has information on romance scams, tech support scams, unwanted calls and texts, and more.

If you believe someone is being financially abused, call Oregon's toll-free abuse reporting hotline at 855-503-SAFE (7233). You can also visit DFR's protect yourself from fraud website for resources to prevent, report, and recover from financial abuse.

Oregon's Senior Safe Act makes securities industry professionals mandatory reporters for suspected elder financial exploitation. Securities professionals, such as broker-dealers and investment advisors, should use DFR's file a suspected financial abuse report webpage when they suspect potential financial abuse of an Oregon senior.

DFR's consumer advocates are always there to help with questions or to file a complaint. You can reach them at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email [email protected].

Contact information
Jason Horton, public information officer
503-798-6376[email protected]

About Oregon DFR:
The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon's largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.