Financial Exploitation - NAPSA
Learning About
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
Learn how to recognize the financial exploitation of older adults and people with disabilities.
MAKE A REPORT
Additional Resources
DEFINITIONS
Definitions of financial exploitation may vary from state to state. Please contact your local APS agency for details about how it is defined in your area.
CATEGORIES
Theft
Fraud
Real Estate Exploitation
Contractor Exploitation
Lottery Scams
OTHER CONCERNS
Neglect/Self-Neglect and Physical/Sexual Abuse are other concerns that APS can address. Learn more about:
Neglect/Self-Neglect
Physical/Sexual Abuse
What is
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION?
Financial or material exploitation*of a senior or disabled adult typically includes:
The misuse, mishandling or exploitation of property, possessions, or assets of adults.
The use of another’s assets without their consent, under false pretense, undue influence or through coercion and/or manipulation.
Assets are commonly taken via forms of deception, false pretenses, coercion, harassment, duress and threats.
Below are some commonly reported forms of financial exploitation reported to Adult Protective Services agencies:
Theft
Involves assets taken without knowledge, consent or authorization; may include taking of cash, valuables, medications other personal property.
Fraud
Involves acts of dishonestly by persons entrusted to manage assets but appropriate assets for unintended uses; may include falsification of records, forgeries, unauthorized check-writing, and Ponzi-type financial schemes.
Real Estate
Involves unauthorized sales, transfers or changes to property title(s); may include unauthorized or invalid changes to estate documents.
Contractor
Includes building contractors or handymen who receive payment(s) for building repairs, but fail to initiate or complete project; may include invalid liens by contractors
Lottery Scams
Involves payments (or transfer of funds) to collect unclaimed property or “prizes” from lotteries or sweepstakes.
Newly released booklet from NAPSA’s Financial Exploitation Advisory Board:
All in this Together: Adult Protective Services and Financial Institution’s Efforts to Combat Elder Financial Exploitation
*Please check your local APS agency website for information specific to your local area.
What are some
SIGNS OF FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION?
Unusual financial activity (e.g. large bank withdrawal or use of ATMs or credit cards not normally used)
Missing checks or missing bank statements/records
Address or names have been changed on accounts
Purchases made without the individual’s knowledge or consent
Newly authorized signatures on accounts or forged signatures
Evidence that the person fell victim to a scam
Missing belongings
Change to a financial power of attorney
Change of ownership of bank accounts or the deed to a physical property such as a home
*The presence of warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean that the adult is being abused.
What are some
RISK FACTORS?
Excessive spending or financial donations
No oversight of finances
Unaware of technology or modern payment methods
Cognitive impairment or dementia
Social isolation
What If…
I’M NOT SURE?
Do you just have a “feeling” about a situation but can’t verify the details? APS professionals are trained to assess each situation. Based on your report, your local APS agency will determine how best to respond.
Contact Your Local APS
Learn more about
Our Monthly Scam Advice Forums
These meetings are designed for APS workers and others who regularly support victims of common “mass marketing” scams. Each meeting opens with the latest information about a specific scam topic, including where to report and how to get help. Then we open the floor for participants to ask the experts and their peers for advice on handling specific cases (no client names!)
This meeting takes place every month on the fourth Thursday of each month, at 12:30 pm EST.
To register for the webinar
, please
click here
To join the Scam Advice  Listserv and receive occasional email updates, email
admin@NAPSA-NOW.ORG
with a note requesting, “Add me to the Scam Advice Listserv.”
Who runs these forums?
Debbie Deem
, a retired Victim Specialist for the FBI, and
Steve Baker
, who is retired from the FTC and the Better Business Bureau. Both are recognized nationally as experts regarding how scams operate. Debbie also brings decades of experience in working one on one with victims.
Access
Scam Advice Recordings & Resources
January 2025
US Postal Inspectors’ Investigation of Transnational Frauds
February 2025
Prize & Sweepstakes Scams
March 2025
SIM Swap Attacks
View All
Financial Exploitation Summit
Join us on November 19, 20276 for NAPSA’s Financial Exploitation Prevention (FEP) Summit, organized by NAPSA’s Committee Against Financial Exploitation (CAFE)
. This event unites professionals from APS, researchers, bankers, law enforcement, investors, regulatory agencies, government, and other stakeholders dedicated to combating financial exploitation.
Discover more about the Financial Exploitation Summit
Working with
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
and the National Adult Protective Services Association are pleased to release
National Guidelines for Financial Institutions: Working Together to Protect Older Persons from Financial Abuse
. The Guidelines and forms were introduced at the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event on June 11, 2019 at the Securities and Exchange Commission designed to promote standardization and clarity among financial institutions and Adult Protective Services. We are asking that all APS programs use this form to request records from financial institutions.
The funds for this project were provided by the Huguette Clark Foundation for Protection of Elders (formerly The Huguette Clark Family Fund for Protection of Elders). The steering committee was led by Joe Snyder, NAPSA Public Policy Committee Chair and Kathleen Quinn, NAPSA Board President and the content was developed and revised by the members: Carrie Chelko, Lincoln Financial Group, Nancy Heffner, Lincoln Investment Planning, Aisling Murphy, The Vanguard Group, Inc., Brad Keeley, The Vanguard Group Inc., Ronald C. Long, Wells Fargo Advisors, Maureen Matson, Lincoln Financial Group and Jennifer Spoeri, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Guidelines
2019 Complete Guidelines (includes letters and forms)
– Adobe Acrobat
Sample Documents
Below are the letters and forms extracted from the Guidelines for ease of use:
Financial Information Request Form
– Adobe Acrobat
Financial Information Request Form
– Microsoft Word
Letter Requesting Financial Records
– Adobe Acrobat
Follow-Up Letter for Refusal to Release Records
– Adobe Acrobat
Letter Requesting Extension on Disbursement/Transaction Hold
– Adobe Acrobat
Past Webinars
Utilizing a Standard Form to Request Financial Records: Lessons Learned So Far
Presented on August 8, 2017. Participants learned about the standardized form developed by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, NAPSA and a select group of leaders from APS programs, legal service providers, the government and financial service industry. The exceptions to Federal Privacy Laws will be discussed and tips for working with financial institutions to form a partnership to protect our most vulnerable adults will be highlighted. Panelists from New York and Virginia will discuss their progress and challenges in implementing the form.
Webinar Recording
: Utilizing a Standard Form to Request Financial Records: Lessons Learned So Far
Slides
: Utilizing a Standard Form to Request Financial Records: Lessons Learned So Far
Revised Standard Forms for APS to Request Bank Records
On January 7, 2016 NAPSA and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging held a webinar for state and local APS administrators on revisions to the forms noted above based on meetings with key stakeholders.
Webinar
: Revised Standard Forms for APS to Request Bank Records – MP3 Audio Recording
Webinar
: Revised Standard Forms for APS to Request Bank Records – Adobe Acrobat Slides
What Happens
AFTER A REPORT IS MADE?
A concerned citizen contacts his/her local APS office to report concerns about the welfare of a senior or adult with disabilities.
The details provided in the report will be screened by a trained professional to evaluate if it meets the statutory requirements for APS services in the state and/or municipality receiving the report. Here is more information about what may constitute abuse, neglect or exploitation.
If the situation meets criteria for abuse, neglect or exploitation, an APS worker will initiate face-to-face contact with the adult needing assistance. The APS worker will assess the adult’s safety, need for assistance, and determine what services, if any, would be beneficial to maintain his/her well-being and independence. Learn more about the services APS workers offer
here
While APS workers help thousands of vulnerable adults every day, individuals always have the right to decline services. Find out what makes APS unique
here
RESOURCES: FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
Flyer
: The Signs of Financial Exploitation
Webinar
: Elder Fraud Prevention and Response Networks – Building Collaboration to Fight Exploitation and Abuse (2021)
Webinar
: Providing Help, Restoring Hope – The US Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline (2020); Presentation deck available
here
Webinar
: New Assessments in Financial Decision Making and Financial Exploitation: the Lichtenberg Financial Decision Screening
Scale (LFDSS) (2016); Click
here
for Research Brief available
HelpVul
NAPSA is a partner in the piloting of a web-based reporting platform designed to combat financial exploitation by connecting financial services, Adult Protective Services (APS), and state securities regulators (SSR).
Click here
to download more information.
ABOUT NAPSA
The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) is a national non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization with members in all fifty states, D.C., and the territories.  Formed in 1989, the goal of NAPSA is to provide Adult Protective Services (APS) programs a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for victims of elder and vulnerable adult mistreatment. Its mission is to strengthen the capacity of APS at the national, state, and local levels, to effectively and efficiently recognize, report, and respond to the needs of elders and adults with disabilities who are the victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and to prevent such abuse whenever possible.
NAPSA OFFICES
NAPSA
(National Adult Protective Services Association)
1612 K Street NW #200
Washington, DC 20006
Phone:
(202) 370-6292
Hours:
9 am – 5 pm EST
Contact NAPSA
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Washington
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Washington Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
PHONE & TTY: 866-363-4276
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Montana
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Montana Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
North Dakota
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
North Dakota Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
(toll free)
Online Reporting System
Minnesota
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Minnesota Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities as well as institutional abuse:
(toll free)
TTY (in Minnesota): 711
Wisconsin
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Wisconsin Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Iowa
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse Program
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Missouri
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Missouri Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
TDD: 800-735-2466
Illinois
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Illinois Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors:
TTY: 888-206-1327
Indiana
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Indiana Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Ohio
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Ohio Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Click here for a map of county reporting numbers.
Pennsylvania
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Pennsylvania Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
New York
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Bureau of Adult Services of the New York State Office of Children & Family Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Adult Services Help Line:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Vermont
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Vermont Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
AFTER HOURS: 800-649-5285
ONLINE FORM:
Form
Maine
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Maine Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
TTY Maine Relay: 711
TTY AFTER-HOURS: 207-287-3492
Texas
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Texas Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
TTY: 800-735-2989
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
ONLINE FORM:
Form
New Mexico
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
New Mexico Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Arizona
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Arizona Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
TDD: 877-815-8390
ONLINE FORM:
Form
California
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
California Adult Protective Services
To report abuse, call this number 1-833-401-0832 and when prompted enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Nevada
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Nevada Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
PHONE: 702-486-6930 (Las Vegas / Clark County)
Utah
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Utah Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
ONLINE FORM:
Form
Colorado
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Colorado Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities or to Report Institutional Abuse:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Kansas
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Kansas Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Oregon
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Oregon Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Idaho
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Idaho Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
E-MAIL:
icoa@aging.idaho.gov
Wyoming
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Wyoming Adult Protective Services
PHONE: (307) 777-7564
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Nebraska
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Nebraska Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
South Dakota
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
South Dakota Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Oklahoma
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Oklahoma Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Public Access Online Reporting (must be completed in Chrome):
www.OKHotline.org
Arkansas
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Arkansas Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Louisiana
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Louisiana Adult Protective Services
Report incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving adults ages 18 to 59 at apsreporting@la.gov or the toll free number at 800-898-4910.
Report incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving adults 60 and older to Elderly Protective Services at 833-577-6532.
Mississippi
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Mississippi Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Vulnerable Persons Hotline: 844-437-6282
Alabama
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Alabama Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
E-MAIL:
aps@dhr.alabama.gov
Georgia
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Georgia Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
ONLINE FORM:
Form
South Carolina
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
South Carolina Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
North Carolina
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
North Carolina Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Tennessee
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Tennessee Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Kentucky
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Kentucky Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
West Virginia
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
West Virginia Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Virginia
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Virginia Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
LOCAL OFFICES:
List of Local Offices
Maryland
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Maryland Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
TTY: 800-735-2258
Alaska
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Alaska Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
PHONE: (907)-269-3666
ONLINE FORM:
Form
Puerto Rico
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Puerto Rico Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Report Institutional Abuse:
Florida
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Florida Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
TDD: 800-453-5145
ONLINE FORM:
Form
New Hampshire
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
New Hampshire Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Massachusetts
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Massachusetts Elder Abuse and Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors 60+
Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission
Ages 18 to 59
TTY: 888-822-0350
Rhode Island
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Report Elder Abuse (ages 60+)
Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging – Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Adults with Substance Use and Mental Health disorders and Adults with Developmental Disabilities (ages 18-59)
Connecticut
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Connecticut Protective Services for the Elderly
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
PHONE: (In Connecticut) 888-385-4225
PHONE: (Outside Connecticut) 800-203-1234
New Jersey
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
New Jersey Adult Protective Services
609-588-6501
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities by
County
BROCHURE:
Fact Sheet
Delaware
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Delaware Adult Protective Services
Statewide: 800-223-9074; (Administration Main office: (302) 255-9390)
New Castle County: (302) 391-3500;
Fax: (302) 424-1346;
Kent/Sussex Counties: (302) 424-7310
Fax number (302) 424-1346
To Report Institutional Abuse, Call:
(877) 453-0012
Hawaii
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Hawaii Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Oahu: 808-832-5115
Kauai: 808-241-3337
Maui/ Molokai/Lanai: 808-243-5151
East Hawaii (Hilo/Hamakua/Puna): 808-933-8820
West Hawaii (Kau/Kona/Kohala/Kamuela): 808-327-6280
Michigan
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
Michigan Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
District of Columbia
Are you concerned someone you love or care about may be the victim of abuse? Don’t be silent. Report it now. All calls are confidential.
To Report a case in your area call:
District of Columbia Adult Protective Services
Report Abuse of Seniors or Adults with Disabilities:
Report Institutional Abuse: