Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI took part in a global, coordinated effort to hold accountable those who take advantage of the country’s seniors through financial fraud.

The Department of Justice says the effort resulted in criminal, civil, or forfeiture action against more than 250 people.

These individuals allegedly bilked more than a half-billion dollars from more than a million Americans—most of whom were elderly.

Elder fraud abuse is a growing threat, in part because of increased access to victims through technology and the aging of the wealthy Baby Boomer generation.

FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich says the Bureau opened more than 1,500 financial crime investigations last year—more than 200 of which involved the elderly.

David Bowdich: We understand how devastating a fraudulent scheme against elderly victims can be—not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and, quite frankly, even physically. And it’s often traumatizing for their caregivers, who have to pick up the pieces later.

Halpern: Report elder fraud in person at your local field office or by dialing 1-800-CALL-FBI.

You can also file a complaint online at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

With FBI, This Week, I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau.