
Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the Wisconsin DATCP is encouraging everyone to play their part in protecting elders from scams.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, of those who lost money to fraud in 2024, the median amount for consumers over age 70 was more than $1,000, while the median amount lost for consumers younger than 60 was less than $500.
Some consumers have reported losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to different scams, including investment, romance, and government imposter scams.
DATCP is always at the ready to help victims, but prevention is the best way to deal with scams and fraud.
The DATCP encourages everyone to be informed of the latest scam tactics, plan ahead with the elders in their families, to stop and think about any contact that could be a scam, and to talk with others about their experiences with scammers.
If you or a loved one does fall victim to a scam, it is very important to report it to your local law enforcement agency and to the DATCP.
Visit ConsumerProtection.wi.gov to request a consumer protection presentation, access factsheets, or file a complaint, or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.