When Trust Becomes a Target: The Rising Threat of Elder Fraud

Posted on by Birmingham Green

In Manassas, we know our elders by name: the neighbor who checks the mail, the teacher who still waves from the porch, the veteran at the farmers market. That is exactly why today’s threat is so painful: it goes after their hard-earned security and their dignity.

The Scale of the Problem

Scammers are operating on a staggering scale. In 2023, Americans 60+ reported $3.4 billion in losses—an 11% increase from the prior year—with average losses near $34,000 and nearly 6,000 victims losing more than $100,000. Over a similar yearlong window, the Justice Department pursued hundreds of cases against 700+ defendants accused of stealing nearly $700 million from 225,000+ older victims. Officials emphasize the true toll is higher because so many incidents go unreported.

Real Story: A neighbor fell for a home-repair solicitation. Ashamed and worried about losing her independence, she hesitated to tell her daughter, a recent CIA retiree.

Why Older Adults Are Targeted

  • Attractive targets: Many have accumulated savings and own property.
  • Social isolation: Less frequent contact can make it harder to spot or verify scams.
  • Technology gaps: Unfamiliar tools and higher trust in perceived authority raise vulnerability.
  • Evolving tactics: Criminals impersonate tech support and government agencies and increasingly use voice-cloning to mimic loved ones.

Real Story: A former colleague received a call from an “IRS agent” demanding thousands of dollars. Knowing the IRS does not initiate collection calls like this, I referred them to official IRS guidance, avoiding a costly mistake.

Common Scams to Watch

  • Tech-support fraud: “We detected a problem with your computer/account…”
  • Prize/lottery/sweepstakes schemes: “You’ve won—just pay fees or taxes first.”
  • Government impersonation: Fake IRS, Social Security, or Medicare outreach demanding payment or personal data.
  • Investment scams: “Too-good-to-be-true” returns targeting retirement savings.

Real Story: During a routine dental cleaning, my nearly 90-year-old mother was signed up for a credit card and billed for Invisalign she didn’t need or request. Even trusted settings can be risky.

Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

  • Pause and verify: Never rush to share information or send money.
  • Stay connected: Regular visits, calls, and check-ins reduce isolation and surface red flags sooner.
  • Question urgency: Pressure is a hallmark of fraud. Stop, call a trusted person, and independently verify.
  • Secure personal information: Store key documents safely; never share SSNs, bank numbers, or PINs in response to unsolicited calls or emails.
  • Enable oversight: Ask a trusted family member or friend to review statements, monitor unusual charges, and set up alerts when available.
  • Report suspected fraud: Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, for guidance and resources.

Protecting Resident Dignity at Birmingham Green

At Birmingham Green, we’re not waiting. Our IT support coordinator already leads monthly, plain-English sessions for residents on how to spot and stop scams. Now we’re building on that work with a fuller training program for families and our team, so everyone who loves and serves our elders is equipped with clear steps, tools, and trusted resources. This is how we honor the people who built our community: by learning together, watching out for one another, and acting early.

Quick Tip

If a call, email, or “prize” feels off, take a breath. Pause, verify, and talk to someone you trust before sharing information or sending money. Fraudsters rely on fear and urgency; staying calm, connected, and aware is your best defense.

Together, we can protect the dignity and independence of those who built our communities. Stay informed, vigilant, and connected.

Local and National Resources:

Report Suspicious Activity or Fraud

  • Manassas City Police Department
    📞 703-257-8000
    🌐 manassasva.gov/police
    File non-emergency reports or ask about current scam alerts.
  • Prince William County Police (Non-Emergency)
    📞 703-792-6500
    🌐 pwcva.gov/police

Adult Protective Services (APS)

  • Manassas City Department of Social Services
    📞 703-361-8277
    Investigates reports of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation within city limits.
  • Prince William County APS
    📞 703-792-4200 | TTY: 711
    For county residents age 60+ or adults with disabilities at risk of abuse or financial fraud.

Senior Support & Local Resources

  • Prince William Area Agency on Aging
    📞 703-792-6374
    🌐 pwcva.gov/aging
    Offers information for caregivers, community education, and elder support services.

National & Statewide Help

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline
    📞 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
    Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET
    🌐 ovc.ojp.gov/stopelderfraud
    Confidential help and guidance for reporting scams anywhere in the U.S.
  • Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section
    📞 800-552-9963
    🌐 oag.state.va.us
    File complaints and learn about consumer fraud prevention in Virginia.

AARP Fraud Watch Network

  • Fraud Watch Helpline: 📞 877-908-3360
    Free, confidential support from trained fraud specialists.
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Website:
    🌐 aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
    Stay current on the latest scams, get prevention tips, and join free virtual workshops.
  • AARP Scam Tracking Map:
    🌐 aarp.org/scammap
    See real-time scam reports from across Virginia and the U.S.

*Statistics referenced above are drawn from federal law enforcement reporting on elder fraud during 2023–2024.

By Denise Chadwick Wright, Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham Green

703-257-0935 | dwright@birminghamgreen.org