By 
June 16, 2026
Scammers are getting smarter.
From fake government agents and tech support schemes to romance scams and fraudulent investment opportunities, scammers are constantly finding new ways to target older adults and steal their money.
In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council (HPCAC) recently hosted a free community forum focused on protecting older adults from abuse, fraud and financial exploitation. Representatives from the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Birmingham Division shared information about current scam trends, warning signs families should recognize and steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.
One message came through loud and clear: financial exploitation rarely looks like a crime at first.
Most scams start with a phone call, text message, email or social media message. Scammers build trust, create urgency and convince victims to act before they have time to think.
And it’s working.
Why is this crime growing so quickly?
According to a 2025 report from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), adults over 60 reported more than 201,000 fraud complaints last year alone. Reported losses topped $7.7 billion.
Even more concerning, reported complaints increased by 37 percent while financial losses rose by 59 percent compared to 2024.
“Know what fraud is and share what it is with your friends and family,” FBI Intelligence Analyst Hannah Walter said. “Before you react, before you send your information, stop and think.”
Behind those statistics are real people.
In 2025 alone, the average reported loss for older victims exceeded $38,000, with thousands of individuals reporting losses of $100,000 or more.
Elder abuse in Huntsville
HPD investigators say financial crimes continue to be a growing concern.
“There’s five of us that work in HPD’s Cyber/Financial Crime Unit,” Snipes said. “We receive several reports on a daily basis.”
Investigators also discussed forms of elder abuse beyond financial scams, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment. While reports may not be frequent, HPD Investigator Ricky McCarver said they are taken seriously.
“We haven’t seen a lot of cases this year,” McCarver said. “When they do come in, it’s alarming. It’s something we care about, and we’re going to take care of our elderly.”
Elder abuse is not always obvious. Warning signs can include unexplained financial transactions, sudden changes in banking activity, unpaid bills despite available funds, withdrawal from family and friends, poor living conditions, untreated medical needs or signs of fear around a caregiver or family member. Recognizing these indicators early can help prevent further harm and connect victims with the resources they need.
How to protect yourself and loved ones
One of the best ways to prevent fraud is simply talking about it.
Have regular conversations with older family members about common scams and encourage them to speak up if something feels suspicious.
“These crimes affect everyone,” HPD Investigator Bradley Snipes said. “It doesn’t discriminate against age.”
Before sending money or sharing personal information, Walter recommends checking with someone you trust.
“Make sure you’re asking a trusted loved one or someone else, ‘Does this make sense to you?'” Walter said.
A few other tips:
- Never send money based on urgency alone
- Be skeptical of anyone demanding secrecy
- Hang up and call back using a verified number
- Avoid gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments for “official” matters
- When in doubt, talk it out before taking action
Scammers count on people acting quickly. Slowing down can make all the difference.
Reporting abuse and fraud
If you suspect an older adult is experiencing financial exploitation, fraud or abuse, report it immediately.
Contact local law enforcement, Adult Protective Services or submit a complaint to the FBI’s IC3. The sooner a report is made, the more options investigators have to intervene.
Elder abuse often thrives in silence. Staying informed, checking in on loved ones and speaking up when something seems wrong can make a meaningful difference in protecting older adults in our community.
