World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: We All Have a Role in Protecting Older Adults
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we recognize the importance of protecting America’s seniors from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This day also provides a reminder for how families, friends, neighbors, and caregivers can make a difference in an older person’s life.
Elder abuse takes many forms and can happen to anyone. It may involve physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or scams. Sometimes the signs of abuse are obvious, but they can also be hard to spot. That is why staying connected and alert matters.
At Social Security, we are committed to protecting the people we serve. For many older Americans, Social Security benefits provide financial stability and peace of mind. We work hard to safeguard those benefits and help people securely access the services they need online, by phone, and in person.
Unfortunately, scammers often aim to take advantage of seniors by pretending to be government employees. They call, text, email, or send messages claiming there’s a problem with your Social Security number or benefits. These scams are designed to create fear, urgency, and to pressure individuals into sharing their personal information or sending money.
We are proud to partner with other federal agencies as part of the national “Never Ever” campaign to increase awareness of and avoid government imposter scams. Remember:
- Never ever will someone from the government say: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don’t pay immediately. Only a scammer will.
- Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.
If a call, letter, or text feels suspicious, it is important to pause and verify the information.
A trusted family member or friend can help.
Loved ones and trusted communities also play an important role in helping protect seniors from abuse and exploitation. Here are a few ways you can help the seniors in your life:
- Stay connected through calls, visits, or check-ins.
- Watch for sudden changes in behavior, finances, or living conditions.
- Help review mail, bills, or suspicious messages if asked for support.
- Encourage safe online habits and awareness of scams.
- Speak up if something doesn’t seem right.
Checking in and listening can make a meaningful difference.
We all share a responsibility to support and protect older adults in our communities. This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, take a moment to reach out to an older loved one, neighbor, or friend. Compassion, awareness, and connection can help keep people safe.
To learn more and access helpful resources:
- Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams: Provides up-to-date information on scam tactics, how to recognize and avoid scams, and how to report them.
- Elder Justice Coordinating Council Impersonation Scams: Offers federal consumer-related materials to avoid government imposter scams.
- Eldercare Locator: Connects older adults and caregivers with trusted local resources and services.
- WEAAD Toolkits: Shares nationwide events and resources to help prevent elder abuse.