Elder Protection
Guidance on recognizing and responding to elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
These guides cover the two ways older adults most often lose money or safety: scams run by strangers, and exploitation by someone they already trust. They explain how to tell a real contact from Social Security or Medicare from a fake one, the warning signs of financial exploitation, who to call when you suspect abuse, and the legal documents that let a person you choose act for you if you cannot. The tools below point to reporting lines, legal help and a planning checklist.
Social Security and Medicare Scams: The Red Flags That Actually Matter in 2026
Scam stories change, but they follow the same four steps.
Read more → Elder ProtectionWhat to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse: Resources and Next Steps
You do not need proof to ask for help. Here is which agency to contact for each situation, the phone numbers, and what to have ready when you call.
Read more → Elder ProtectionFinancial Exploitation by Someone You Trust
Financial exploitation by a relative, caregiver or agent is harder to spot than a stranger's scam, because the person already has access.
Read more → Elder ProtectionPower of Attorney vs. Guardianship vs. Advance Directive
You create a power of attorney and an advance directive yourself. A court creates a guardianship when those documents are missing. Here is what each one covers.
Read more →Protecting yourself or a parent
Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, and the person responsible is often someone the victim knows. Scammers also impersonate Social Security, Medicare and the IRS with calls, texts and letters that look official. The best protection is planning ahead: legal documents that name who can act for you, and a firm rule never to give your Social Security or Medicare number to anyone who contacts you first.
Who to call
| Situation | Where to report or get help |
|---|---|
| Someone is in immediate danger | Call 911 |
| Suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation | Adult Protective Services in your state; the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 can connect you |
| A Social Security impersonation scam | Social Security Office of the Inspector General, oig.ssa.gov |
| Medicare fraud or billing for care you did not get | 1-800-MEDICARE or your state Senior Medicare Patrol |
Where to start
- Planning ahead? Read power of attorney vs guardianship vs advance directive and use the advance directive checklist.
- Got a suspicious call or letter? Check it against the scam red flags.
- Worried about someone close to you? See the warning signs of exploitation and what to do if you suspect abuse.