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Maine Seniors Scammed Out of Over $2.5 Million in 2022
The U.S. Attorney noted that the cases her office most often sees involve senior scams, and instances are becoming far too prevalent. Last year alone, 475 senior Maine residents were scammed out of more than $2.5 million, while nationally the losses were a staggering $1.7 billion.
“The impact on victims of elder abuse can be devastating,” U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee said. “At the federal level, the cases we most often see involve senior scams, and instances are becoming far too prevalent.”
To combat these scams, the federal government has established several initiatives, including the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, which investigates and prosecutes individuals and organizations engaged in foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect older Americans. The Money Mule Initiative involves federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies specifically identifying and addressing money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes that impact older Americans.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the Department’s commitment to elder justice, stating, “We all know an older family member or friend who has been the victim of financial fraud, either domestically or internationally, and we’ve witnessed first-hand how financial loss impacts older adults. The Department has devoted significant personnel and resources specifically to combat financial fraud committed against older Americans.”
Victims of elder abuse are often hesitant to report it. While the federal government remains committed to prosecuting cases of elder abuse, raising public awareness of scams and encouraging the reporting of cases of abuse are vital to combatting the epidemic. If you or someone you know is a victim of senior scams, you can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311.
To report elder abuse in Maine, call 1-800-624-8404 (24-hour, toll-free) or Maine Relay 711 to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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