In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, the Department of Justice has announced renewed efforts to protect American seniors from transnational schemes that have cost them billions of dollars. These scams often result in the loss of life savings for the elderly. Recently, prosecutors have taken action against both foreign fraudsters and domestic actors who facilitate these crimes.
Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom stated, "Cases involving elder fraud are among the most heartbreaking cases our law enforcement partners investigate and that we prosecute. This office and federal, state, and local law enforcement are committed to working together to hold accountable those who prey on some of our most vulnerable citizens and strip them of their hard-earned savings." She urged seniors and their families to stay vigilant and use available resources to detect, report, and avoid falling victim to such frauds.
The Department highlighted actions taken in the District of Rhode Island against various types of fraud targeting seniors. These include romance fraud, lottery fraud, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams. Romance fraud involves perpetrators feigning romantic interest to extract money or property under false pretenses. Lottery fraud tricks victims into believing they have won a non-existent prize, while tech support scams involve fake pop-up messages claiming computer issues that require payment to fix. Grandparent scams involve scammers impersonating family members in emergencies needing immediate financial assistance.
On June 12, 2025, a British national from Northern Ireland was convicted for participating in a multi-state construction and money laundering scheme targeting seniors across several states including Rhode Island. The conspiracy defrauded victims out of more than a million dollars by misrepresenting construction needs or repairs.
On May 21, 2025, eight individuals were indicted for orchestrating elaborate transnational fraud schemes targeting elderly citizens in the U.S. and Canada. Pop-up messages lured victims into calling agents who falsely claimed their financial assets were at risk. Approximately 300 individuals suffered losses exceeding $5 million.
In another case from November 4, 2024, two residents from Florida and New York were charged with perpetrating grandparent scams against seniors in multiple states including Rhode Island and Massachusetts. They allegedly defrauded seniors out of at least $230,000.
Recovering financially from such schemes is particularly challenging for elderly victims as many are retired without regular income or market appreciation opportunities for their savings. Perpetrators often move funds beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement making restitution difficult but essential.
The National Elder Fraud Hotline provides free assistance for older adults experiencing financial fraud supported by the Office for Victims of Crime. Staffed by professionals experienced with older adults' issues, it offers referrals and can assist in reporting incidents which may help freeze funds involved.
The Department urges vigilance against fraudulent lottery or prize notifications demanding fees as these often use official-sounding names or claim government involvement falsely securing prizes.
If you know someone aged 60 or older who has been a victim of financial fraud they can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering services in English Spanish among other languages.
Further information about efforts helping American seniors is available on the Elder Justice Initiative webpage along with consumer protection resources via www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch while elder fraud complaints can be filed with FTC online or by phone.
The Department reminds that all allegations mentioned remain just that until proven beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings ensuring defendants' presumption of innocence until then.
