Protect Yourself
Preventing Elder Investment Fraud
Older Americans have long been the target of unscrupulous investment scam artists. According to the 2010 Investor Protection Trust (IPT) Elder Fraud Survey, more than seven million older Americans – one out of every five citizens over the age of 65 – already have been victimized by a financial swindle. IPT has partnered with medical and legal associations and State Securities Offices to develop tools and resources to help you protect yourself and your loved ones from elder financial abuse.
EIFFE Prevention Program
The "Elder Investment Fraud and Financial Exploitation Prevention Program" (EIFFE Prevention Program) educates healthcare and legal professionals to recognize when their older clients may be vulnerable to or victims of financial abuse, particularly those patients with mild cognitive impairment, and then to refer these at-risk patients to State Securities Regulators, local adult protective services professionals or for further screening or assistance as needed.
Booklets, Guides & Posters
Clinician's Pocket Guide
A Guide designed to be used by healthcare professionals and others who work with older Americans. It describes common red flags of financial exploitation, financial capacity and the types of referral that may be needed.
Patient Brochure
An informational brochure focusing on recognizing and avoiding elder investment fraud including common red flags, tips for protecting yourself and additional resources.
The Crime of the 21st Century
A special report that appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine in November 2011. It addresses several common types of elder fraud and how adult children can help to protect their older parents from becoming victims.
Take Charge Before a Bad Deal Takes You Booklet
A Guide designed to help investors avoid fraud by providing information on checking out an investment or broker before writing that check.
Take Charge Before a Bad Deal Takes You Booklet (Spanish)
A Guide designed to help investors avoid fraud by providing information on checking out an investment or broker before writing that check.
Elder Investment Fraud Video
"Elder Investment Fraud: A National Epidemic" is a short video that addresses and explains the widespread problem of elder investment fraud and financial exploitation and explores some of the possible solutions. The video includes interviews with elder fraud victims, their families, doctors and caretakers in addition to representatives from the Pennsylvania Securities Commission.
Research on Elder Investment Fraud
IPT undertakes a variety of research activities designed to guide our educational efforts. Since 2010, IPT has released three surveys focused on the issue of elder investment fraud including a survey of older Americans and their adult children and two surveys of experts who routinely work with older Americans.