How to Report Elder Abuse and Senior Fraud: Complete U.S. Guide

Quick answer: For elder abuse emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency elder abuse, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to reach your local Adult Protective Services. For nursing home abuse, contact your state Long-Term Care Ombudsman. For financial exploitation, also report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state AG.

Elder financial exploitation costs seniors an estimated $28.3 billion annually — more than all other forms of consumer fraud combined for this age group. Only 1 in 14 elder abuse cases is ever reported, making your report critical. Medicare fraud alone costs the program over $60 billion per year. Whistleblowers reporting Medicare fraud under the False Claims Act can receive 15–30% of recovered funds. Every U.S. state has mandatory reporting laws — in most states, healthcare workers, financial professionals, and social workers are legally required to report.

Elder abuse is one of the most underreported crimes in America — estimates suggest only 1 in 14 cases is ever reported. Seniors over 65 are the top target for financial fraud, romance scams, Medicare fraud, and caregiver abuse. Every U.S. state has mandatory reporting laws for suspected elder abuse — in most states, healthcare workers, financial professionals, and social workers are legally required to report suspected abuse. Anyone can report voluntarily. Reports can be made anonymously in all 50 states.

Physical, Emotional, and Caregiver Abuse

Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and abandonment. It can be perpetrated by family members, paid caregivers, neighbors, or strangers. In-home abuse is reported to Adult Protective Services (APS). Abuse in facilities is reported to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Abuse

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are regulated by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). Every state has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman program — federally mandated — that investigates complaints against nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Complaints are confidential and may be filed anonymously.

Financial Exploitation of Seniors

Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse — costing seniors an estimated $28.3 billion annually. It includes theft by family members, undue influence, unauthorized use of power of attorney, and predatory financial products. Report to APS, local law enforcement, AND the FTC or state AG simultaneously.

Senior-Targeted Scams

Seniors are disproportionately targeted by scammers because they’re more likely to be home, more trusting, and more likely to have retirement savings. The most common scams targeting seniors are romance scams, grandparent scams, Medicare scams, lottery scams, and tech support fraud.

Medicare, Medicaid, and Benefits Fraud

Medicare fraud costs the program over $60 billion annually. Common schemes include billing for services not rendered, fake durable medical equipment, pill mills, and identity theft to bill Medicare under a senior’s name. Whistleblowers may qualify for rewards under the False Claims Act.

How to Report Elder Abuse: Step by Step

1. Call 911 immediately for emergencies. If the senior is in immediate danger, don’t wait — call 911. Police can intervene and APS will be contacted.
2. Document signs of abuse. Photograph injuries, record dates, note behavioral changes, collect financial statements if exploitation is suspected. Detailed records strengthen investigations.
3. Call the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. This free national service connects you to your local APS office and can answer questions about reporting options.
4. File with your state APS (contacts below). APS investigators visit within 24–72 hours for urgent cases. Reports can be anonymous in all states.
5. Report nursing home abuse to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman — separate from APS, specifically for facility-based abuse. Find yours at theconsumervoice.org.
6. File with local law enforcement for physical, sexual, or serious financial abuse. Elder abuse is a crime in all 50 states.
7. Report financial exploitation to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state AG. For bank fraud, contact the financial institution’s elder fraud team immediately — many banks now have dedicated lines.
8. Contact your state AG’s elder fraud unit. Many state AGs have dedicated senior protection divisions with investigators who specialize in elder financial exploitation.

Federal Agencies for Elder Abuse Reporting

All 50 State Adult Protective Services (APS) Contacts

Adult Protective Services (APS) is the primary agency for elder abuse reports in every state. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can also connect you to your local APS if you’re unsure who to call. Reports can be made 24/7 for emergencies.

What To Do If Agencies Don’t Respond: Last Resort Options

If APS has investigated but the abuse is continuing, or if financial exploitation has gone unaddressed, here are your escalation paths:

1. Consult an elder law attorney immediately. Elder law attorneys handle guardianship, conservatorship, financial exploitation recovery, and can obtain emergency court orders to protect a senior’s assets within days. Many offer free initial consultations. Find one via the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org).
2. Petition for emergency guardianship or conservatorship. If a senior is being financially exploited and lacks capacity to protect themselves, a family member or APS can petition the court for emergency guardianship — this can freeze accounts and remove abusers within 48–72 hours in many states.
3. Contact the financial institution’s elder fraud team directly. Major banks (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.) have dedicated elder financial exploitation units. A call from the senior or an authorized family member can freeze suspicious transactions same-day.
4. File with your state AG’s elder fraud unit. Many state AGs have dedicated senior protection divisions. A direct call — not just an online form — with a specific case description gets faster action than a general consumer complaint.
5. Contact your local FBI field office. For large-scale financial exploitation ($10,000+), the FBI investigates elder fraud cases. The DOJ Elder Justice Initiative coordinates federal prosecution.
6. Contact investigative journalists covering elder fraud. Local TV consumer reporters, AARP publications, and ProPublica actively cover elder exploitation. Media coverage can trigger emergency agency response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.