PROTECT Week Shines a Light on Elder Financial Abuse

During AARP Fraud Prevention Month this April, AARP Maryland is partnering with state and local officials to host with free events and offer resources to help residents protect themselves.

Financial exploitation of older adults is one of the fastest-growing and most devastating forms of elder abuse. Research and federal reporting make clear that the problem is worsening:

• One in 20 older adults reports financial abuse, though experts agree the true number is far higher due to under‑reporting.
• In 2024, the FBI’s internet Crime Complaint Center received 147,127 reports from adults 60-plus, a 46 percent increase from the previous year. Losses totaled $4.885 billion, up 43 percent from 2023.
• AARP survey research shows that while adults of all ages experience fraud, older adults lose far more money, and trust banks more when they are proactive in responding to exploitation.

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These losses are often devastating. Once funds are transferred, they are almost never recovered.

That is why AARP Maryland is joining forces with the Maryland Department of Aging, Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Financial Regulation in the Maryland Department of Labor, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office — along with a coalition of federal, local government, business and consumer groups — participate in PROTECT Week, a statewide awareness and education campaign targeting elder abuse and financial exploitation.

PROTECT Week 2026 Events

Live on The Senior Zone
From March 16 and running through April 20, tune into The Senior Zone from 10 to 11 a.m. for host Shawn Perry’s interviews with state and local fraud fighters. Tune in to WYCB, 1340AM or stream on www.MySpiritDC.com.

AARP

Online Webinars
All week long, from April 20 to 25, AARP Maryland is hosting online interviews and webinars with consumer protection and law enforcement experts to help Marylanders spot and stop scams. Tune in each day at 1 p.m. ET at Facebook.com/aarpmaryland or YouTube.com/aarpmaryland.

Saturday, April 4
Cooking Class with Chef Christine

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Virtual

Sharpen your fraud fighting skills and your cooking skills! This month we are whipping up Crab Quiche and an Asparagus Salad. Register to receive the ingredients list and Zoom link at https://events.aarp.org/NaLqyy 

Friday, April 17
Teletown Hall with State and Local Officials

2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Online at www.facebook.com/aarpmaryland

Tune into our Facebook page for a live discussion! Executive Council Member Karen Morgan will host a panel of state and local law enforcement to discuss common scams emerging across Maryland and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.