In Pennsylvania, and across the United States, there are more and more reports of elder abuse incidents. Elder abuse is any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. While definitions may vary, elder abuse may be: physical abuse; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; neglect; abandonment; exploitation; or self-neglect. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s 2010-2011 Older Adult Protective Services Report indicates that 15.3% of substantiated cases were of financial abuse or exploitation, and 37.5% were cases of self-neglect. Elder abuse is often undetected, unreported, and untreated. This page serves as a resource designed to make information about elder abuse, fraud, and financial exploitation – and how to report it - more easily accessible.
Scam, Fraud and Abuse Resources
If fraud is suspected, action can be taken. The Senate Special Committee on Aging has a toll-free fraud hotline: 1-855-303-9470 and website where fraud can be reported.
Internet crime complaints can also be reported to the FBI and the National White Collar Crime center: www.IC3.gov
In Pennsylvania there is a statewide elder abuse hotline 1-800-490-8505, which will connect to the local Area Agency on Aging. The hotline is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.