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If you or someone you know is a victim of financial abuse, please tell someone you trust. You are not alone, and there are people who can help. Inform the police, your bank, and Adult Protection Services. 

Steps to Protect Yourself

  3. Never give out personal information, including Social Security Number, account number, or other financial information to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call and the other party is trusted.
  4. Stay alert to common fraud schemes. Never pay a fee or taxes to collect sweepstakes or lottery "winnings."
  7. Pay with checks or credit cards instead of cash to keep a paper trail.

Steps to Protect Loved Ones

  1. Have regular contact with loved ones.
  2. Keep active and involved.
  3. Have candid conversations on visitors or caregivers and their activities.
  4. Listen for red flags in the conversation and probe deeper without alerting.
  5. As a family, have conversations as to how financial matters are going to be handled.

What Is It?

Elder financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets. It could be as simple as taking money from a wallet or as complex as manipulating a person to turn over the property to the abuser. 

Red Flags

  • Changes in spending and transaction patterns
  • Changes to accounts and/or documentation
  • Changes in appearance or demeanor


Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center


Human Services Department of the County where the person lives

Local Law Enforcement

Becker Co. 218-847-2661

Otter Tail Co. 218-998-8555

National Do Not Call Registry

Top 10 Scams

  1. Medicare/health insurance scams
  2. Counterfeit prescription drugs
  3. Funeral and cemetery scams
  4. Fraudulent anti-aging products
  5. Telemarketing/phone scams
  6. Internet fraud
  7. Investment schemes
  8. Homeowner/reverse mortgage scams
  9. Sweepstakes and lottery scams
  10. The grandparent scam