IRS-Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office warns seniors of rising financial fraud ahead of Elder Abuse Awareness Day
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Special to the News
As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches on June 15, IRS Criminal Investigation’s Atlanta Field Office is drawing attention to financial crimes targeting the elderly.
Elder abuse takes many forms, with financial fraud being one of the most devastating. According to the 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center’s report released in April, seniors lost $7.748 billion to scammers in 2025, an increase of 59 percent from 2024.
Older adults across the United States face a range of evolving threats, including government-impersonation calls, fraudulent investment and cryptocurrency schemes, tax-related identity theft, and scams emerging through online marketplaces, romance interactions, and social media.
In FY 2025, IRS-CI initiated 97 new elder fraud investigations nationwide. During this FY, 64 new elder fraud cases have been opened. From FY 21 to FY 26, nearly 97 % of prosecuted elder fraud cases resulted in convictions.
Many cases of elderly financial abuse fall under categories like wire fraud, tax crimes, identity theft, money laundering, or cyber scams, and may not be specifically categorized as elder fraud.
“IRS Criminal Investigation special agents use a combination of education, investigation, prevention, and partnerships to help protect older adults from financial scams,” said Special Agent Demetrius Hardeman of the Atlanta Field Office. “Protecting seniors from financial fraud is one of our highest priorities.”
The following are the types of financial crimes used against the elderly and how to protect against them:
Government-Impersonation Scams — Scams where fraudsters pose as government officials or agencies to trick victims into providing money or personal information, often by claiming urgent legal or tax issues.
- Verify any unexpected call or message using an official phone number.
- Never pay through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.
Romance Scams — Scams in which criminals create fake romantic relationships online to gain victims’ trust and ultimately steal money or sensitive information.
- Never send money to someone known only online.
- Be cautious of individuals who avoid video calls or meeting in person.
Cryptocurrency and Investment Fraud — Schemes that promise high returns or investment opportunities, often involving cryptocurrency, but are designed to steal money from unsuspecting investors.
- Research investments independently and consult trusted financial professionals.
- Be skeptical of “risk-free” or “guaranteed” investment claims.
Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams — Fraudulent messages claiming the victim has won a lottery or sweepstakes, requiring payment of fees or personal information to claim the nonexistent prize.
- Real prizes do not require upfront payment.
- Hang up, delete the email, or report suspicious offers.
Grandparent Scams — Scams where criminals pretend to be a grandchild or another relative in distress, asking for urgent financial help to exploit seniors’ compassion and trust.
- Call a trusted family member to confirm the story.
- Do not act under pressure or secrecy.
Tech Support Scams — Scams in which fraudsters pose as tech support representatives, claiming there is a problem with the victim’s computer and demanding payment or access to personal information.
- Never give control of your computer or share passwords with anyone who contacts you.
- Do not click any links or call a number that pops up on your screen warning of a computer problem.
Online Marketplace and Social Media Scams — Scams involving fraudulent listings or offers on online platforms or social media, where victims are tricked into sending money or goods without receiving what was promised.
- Use a secure website whenever you purchase items online.
- Be wary of links posted on social media, especially quizzes.
Tax-Related Identity Theft — Crimes where thieves use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns or claim refunds in the victim’s name.
- Safeguard Social Security numbers, tax records, and financial documents.
- Review credit reports regularly and consider freezing credit if needed.
Power of Attorney Abuse or Theft by Trusted Individuals — Financial exploitation where someone with legal authority or trust misuses their access to steal money or assets from the person they are supposed to protect.
- Involve multiple family members in financial decisions.
- Review bank statements regularly and monitor for unusual activity.
The IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office encourages the public to share information regarding known or suspected tax and financial fraud. To report a suspected crime, taxpayers may visit IRS.gov or contact the CI Atlanta Field Office by email at atlantafieldoffice@ci.irs.gov.
