Protecting Our Greatest Generation: SMFA Stands Against Elder Abuse
America's seniors are the backbone of this nation. As we recently highlighted, the 50-plus population drives $12.5 trillion in annual economic activity, accounting for nearly half of all U.S. jobs and contributing a massive 60 percent of federal income taxes. They built this country. They sustained it. And now, they are under attack from scammers who seek to rob them of their hard-earned savings and their dignity.
This week, the country recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and at Seniors Matter for America, we believe the fight against elder abuse is inseparable from the fight for senior prosperity. The Trump Administration understands this, and it is taking decisive action to protect older Americans from the criminals who target them.
The Threat Is Real and Growing
The scale of elder fraud in America is staggering. According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Elder Fraud Report, the FBI received over 200,000 complaints from victims over the age of 60, totaling approximately $7.7 billion in losses. In Pennsylvania alone, residents reported over 30,000 complaints with estimated fraud losses over $537 million. In New Jersey, more than 20,000 complaints were filed, totaling $660 million in losses. Phishing schemes, tech support scams, and predatory investment fraud continue to drive these losses into the billions.
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) has seen a parallel surge. According to IRS-CI, from fiscal year 2021 through 2026, the agency launched 255 elder fraud investigations, with alleged fraud totaling more than $885 million. Of that, $736 million in alleged fraud is tied to cases opened within just the last two years. These are the retirement accounts, life savings, and financial security of real American seniors being stolen by criminals.
The Trump Administration is Protecting for Seniors
The Trump Administration opened 64 new elder fraud cases in just the first half of fiscal year 2026, and boasts a nearly 97 percent conviction rate on prosecuted cases, with defendants receiving federal prison sentences averaging nearly four years. The Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative coordinates enforcement and outreach across federal agencies to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation at every level.
The FBI has deployed Victim Specialists in field offices across the country to ensure that seniors who have been victimized get the resources and support they need while navigating the justice process.
This is what a seniors-first administration looks like in action.
Resources Available to Protect You and Your Loved Ones
Knowledge is the first line of defense. Federal agencies have made it easier than ever for seniors and their families to identify threats and report them:
FBI Elder Fraud Resources: Visit fbi.gov/elder-fraud for guidance on common scams and how to report them. You can also file a complaint directly at IC3.gov or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
IRS Criminal Investigation: Report suspected IRS impersonation scams or elder fraud schemes by contacting your local IRS-CI field office or visiting IRS.gov/ci.
DOJ Elder Justice Initiative: The Department of Justice coordinates federal elder fraud enforcement and provides support to victims through its Elder Justice Initiative.
If you or a loved one suspects fraud, act quickly: stop all contact with the suspected scammer, notify your financial institution, preserve any records, and report the incident to law enforcement.
American seniors have spent a lifetime earning what they have. The Trump Administration is making sure the government finally has their back. At Seniors Matter for America, we will keep amplifying that fight until every older American can live in security, dignity, and the prosperity they have earned.