Last Updated on June 12, 2026 by Laura Cook
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month — and a key part of this work is elder financial abuse prevention, a topic that affects millions of aging adults every year. As a caregiver and a financial planner, I can tell you this: the threat is real, and it is always present. Protecting our aging loved ones requires awareness, vigilance, and the courage to speak up when something feels off.
Today, I want to introduce you to Janet, a woman who has been targeted multiple times — and who has learned how to protect herself through awareness, wisdom, and community. Her story also spotlights why protecting seniors from financial exploitation really matters for everyone.
Meet Janet.
Janet’s story is a powerful example of financial fraud aimed at older adults. Janet is in her late sixties. She’s always been independent, and after her husband Tom passed away three years ago, she became even more so. She spends her days gardening, watching mystery shows, and catching up with friends.
When I asked her about scams, she didn’t hesitate: “Oh yes, I’ve been targeted a number of times.”
What makes Janet remarkable is not that she was targeted — but that she learned, adapted, and now helps others stay safe with lessons around preventing financial scams targeting older adults..
Scam #1: “An Email From My Bank”
Janet received an email claiming her bank account had suspicious activity, which is a classic example of abuse targeting elders through financial manipulation. The message urged her to click a link and “confirm” her account number and Social Security number.
Something felt off. In this situation, prevention is everything so she trusted her gut.
“I normally talk with Sandy at the bank,” Janet said. “She always lets me know if something is going on. Before I clicked anything, I decided to call her. That phone call saved me.”
Sandy confirmed my instinct. The email was a phishing scam designed to steal her login information. She helped Janet:
- Change her online banking password
- Set up two‑factor authentication
- Enable fraud alerts
A simple pause — and a trusted relationship — prevented a major financial loss. Awareness and prompt action can make protecting elders from financial abuse possible in real time.
Scam #2: “Hey Grandma…”
A few months later, Janet received a call from an unfamiliar number, another attempt to take advantage of Janet’s love for her family and concern for others.
“A male voice said, ‘Hey Grandma!’ It didn’t sound like my grandson, but I responded anyway.”
The caller claimed he’d been arrested and needed money immediately. He begged her not to tell his parents.
But something didn’t add up.
“My grandkids call me Nana, not Grandma,” Janet said. “That tiny detail made me pause.”
When she asked questions, the caller couldn’t answer any of them — not where her grandson lived, not his parents’ names, not even the right name.
She hung up and called her real grandson.
He was safe at home.
This was a classic grandparent scam, and Janet caught it because she trusted her instincts. That is the kind of caution that supports financial protection of seniors in daily life.
Scam #3: The “Retired Doctor” Online
After years of living alone, Janet met Greg through an online book club. Greg was a charming “retired doctor” living in England. Their conversations were warm and consistent. Over time, she grew emotionally invested, and looked forward to chatting with Greg every day.
Then came the request.
Greg claimed he had a medical emergency and needed money to return to the U.S. He promised to pay her back. Janet agreed to help but needed a few days to get the funds in order.
That’s when the pressure started.
Emails came rapidly. The urgency increased. Janet felt rushed — and uneasy.
While on the phone with a friend, another email from Greg arrived. She hesitated, then confided in her friend. That friend had heard about a reverse image search from a recent seminar for senior adults.. She immediately thought this sounded like a romance scam.
Within minutes, they found Greg’s photo tied to multiple names, profiles, and known scams. Janet was hurt, embarrassed and felt ashamed. But, more than that she was so grateful that she had confided in her friend before she fell victim.
Such awareness and openness with people we trust is a major piece of protecting older adults from financial fraud.
Janet: From Target to Advocate
Instead of staying silent or feeling ashamed, Janet became a fraud‑fighting advocate dedicated to the cause of safeguarding seniors from financial exploitation.
She began researching scams, started sharing her experiences, and warning friends. She even prevented one friend from falling for another “Greg.”
Her message is simple and powerful:
“Skepticism isn’t cynicism — it’s wisdom.”
These scams show how easily older adults can be targeted — and why intentional elder financial abuse prevention is essential.
Elder Financial Abuse Prevention: What You Can Learn From Janet
Elder financial abuse often begins quietly. If you prioritize prevention in elder financial abuse, you protect both dignity and resources. Here are a few takeaways:
1. Trust your instincts.
If something feels off, pause. Ask questions. Verify. Preventing elder financial abuse requires you to trust your judgment whenever possible.
2. Slow down the conversation.
Scammers rely on urgency. You are allowed to take your time. Financial abuse prevention among elders means refusing to be hurried.
3. Protect your information.
Never share personal details through email or text. This simple habit is a pillar of financial elder abuse prevention for everyone.
4. Stay connected.
Isolation increases vulnerability. Community protects. By communicating, you enhance both elder financial security and abuse prevention efforts.
5. Talk about it.
Shame keeps women silent — and silence keeps women vulnerable. When we talk openly, elder financial abuse prevention becomes a community mission.
If You Ever Feel Unsure
Please speak with someone you trust — a family member, a friend, or a professional. You are not alone, and you do not need to navigate these situations by yourself. Prevention works best when support is accessible for anyone facing elder abuse, especially financial abuse.
I’ve helped many seniors and their families identify and avoid scams, and I’m here if you need guidance. You can also find excellent resources at the National Council on Aging.
Together, we can make elder financial abuse prevention a normal part of caring for the women we love.
