The Department of Justice has released its 2025 Annual Report to Congress, outlining the agency’s ongoing efforts to address elder fraud and abuse. The report details enforcement actions, victim support initiatives, and outreach programs aimed at protecting older Americans.
According to the report, the Department took more than 280 enforcement actions against over 600 defendants during the reporting period. These cases involved both domestic and international offenders, some of whom were extradited to face charges in U.S. courts. Collectively, these individuals attempted or succeeded in stealing more than $2 billion from over one million older adults.
The Department also pursued accountability for nursing home operators who provided inadequate care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
To improve its response to elder fraud and abuse, the Department invested in training for law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and judges. It organized the first National Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team Summit, which brought together nearly 400 team members from across the country to discuss coordinated enforcement strategies and better services for older Americans.
Department data shows that older adults lose billions annually due to fraud schemes. During this period, authorities recovered or froze millions of dollars stolen from victims. Through Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants distributed to states, more than 4,000 victim assistance organizations were supported; these groups served nearly 200,000 older victims nationwide. The Department also backed the first National Elder Abuse Victim Services Needs Assessment to help identify service gaps for future improvement.
Recognizing the impact of elder fraud and abuse, all parts of the Department engaged in public awareness activities. Nearly 1,200 events focused on elder issues were held nationwide, reaching close to 15 million people with information about prevention and available resources.
“The Department is committed to using every tool available — enforcement, victim services, capacity building, and public outreach — to combat the scourge of elder fraud and abuse, and it will continue to prioritize elder justice in the year ahead, building on these accomplishments.”
For additional information about elder fraud and abuse prevention resources or support services offered by the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative website or by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311.
