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What is the Texas Elder Justice Coalition?

Texas Elder Justice Coalition is a network of Texas professionals from multiple fields and disciplines working together to end financial exploitation of older adults in Texas. Our work focuses on education, advocacy, accountability and collaboration with state and community partners to ensure that older adults age with dignity and financial security.

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Safeguarding Older Texans from Financial Exploitation

If you, or someone you care for, has questions about financial exploitation of older adults or has experienced financial exploitation, you are in the right place.

TEJC's network of professionals and organizations include:

TEJC is a growing coalition of professionals serving and safeguarding older adults from becoming victims of exploitation and losing their precious wealth and health. Our central goal is to enlist as many types of organizations across Texas as possible to educate one another and improve systems of communication for identifying and reporting fraud and exploitation directed at older adults. In addition, our coalition focuses on deterring, interrupting and addressing financial exploitation of older adults.

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Older adults in the U.S. lose approximately $28 billion every year to financial exploitation.

For every one case of financial exploitation of an older adult reported, another 43 never come forward.

72% of financial exploitation of older adult cases are committed by someone known to the older adult.

Texas is home to the third largest population of adults 65+ in the nation.

Sources:  AARP Bank Safe Initiative. AARP Report Finds $28.3 Billion a Year is Stolen from U.S. Adults Over 60. AARP Press Room (June 15, 2023). Peterson, J.C., Burnes, D.P., Caccamise, P.L. et al. Financial Exploitation of Older Adults: A Population-Based Prevalence Study. J GEN INTERN MED 29, 1615–1623 (2014). AARP Bank Safe Initiative. AARP Report Finds $28.3 Billion a Year is Stolen from U.S. Adults Over 60. AARP Press Room (June 15, 2023). FBI. 2023 Elder Fraud Report (April 30, 2024).

Important Questions You May Have:

Elder justice is when the collective actions of professionals, older adults, family and friends eliminate financial exploitation of older adults.

Financial exploitation is unauthorized or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property or assets for someone else’s benefit, often to the detriment of the older adult. All types of financial exploitation of older adults are, in short, theft.

Being financially exploited can be devastating to an older adult — not only because of financial losses, but also because there are significant emotional, psychological and physical consequences. Financial exploitation jeopardizes an older adult’s financial security, independence and quality of life. According to data from the National Elder Justice Law Enforcement Summit, even mild abuse, neglect or exploitation increase premature deaths in the elder older adult population by 300%.

Perpetrators can be family members, caregivers, financial advisors or strangers.

What are the signs when someone is being exploited?

Recognizing the signs of financial exploitation and taking proactive measures to prevent and address it are crucial in safeguarding the financial well-being and dignity of older adults.

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Examples of Financial Exploitation of Older Adults

Examples of financial exploitation typically used by family, friends, caregivers or people they trust include:

Theft

Taking money or property from an older adult without their consent or knowledge.

Fraud

Deceiving or tricking an older adult into giving away money or assets through false promises, misrepresentation or manipulation.

Coersion

Pressuring or forcing an older adult to make financial decisions against their will, often through threats or intimidation.

Undue Influence

Persuading or manipulating an older adult to change their will, sign over assets, or make financial transactions that benefit the influencer at the expense of the older adult's best interests.

Misuse of Power of Attorney

Using a legally appointed power of attorney to access an older adult's finances for personal gain rather than for the benefit of the older adult.

Examples of financial exploitation typically used by strangers include:

Scams

Conning older adults through phone, mail, email or online schemes, such as lottery scams, grandparent scams or investment scams.

Report Elder Financial Exploitation

News Articles & Current Scam Alerts

FTC Testimony Highlights the Rapid Growth of the Scam Economy

March 30, 2026

🚨 Scams Are Surging Nationwide — And Getting More Sophisticated
New testimony from the Federal Trade Commission reveals:
💸 Americans reported $15.9 BILLION lost to fraud in 2025
📈 Losses have increased 430% since 2020
📊 An estimated $195 BILLION may be lost annually due to underreporting
📱 Text messages and social media are now the top ways scammers reach victims
💰 Investment scams caused the highest losses — over $7.9 billion
Scammers are evolving fast — using impersonation, AI, crypto, and social engineering to target older adults and communities across Texas.
👉 The Texas Elder Justice Coalition is working to educate, connect, and protect older Texans.
🔗 Learn more: txelderjustice.org
📣 Report fraud: reportfraud.ftc.gov

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Five of the Biggest Scams to Watch for in 2026

January 7, 2026

Scammers are faster, more personal, and more intimidating than ever. Staying skeptical, slowing down, verifying independently, and talking with trusted people are essential tools for staying safe. Sharing what you learn can help protect friends, family, and communities from becoming the next targets. Five scams expected to be most problematic in 2026:

Employment scams
Recovery scams
Digital arrest scams
“Hello pervert” blackmail scams
Romance (or “friendship”) scams

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Scams of the Month – December 2025

December 2, 2025

While doing your holiday traditions this year, be on the lookout for these big scams:

“Free” gift cards and HUGE sales

Fake websites and messages

Scam calls claiming to be loved ones

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FTC’s new tool, How I’ll Avoid a Scam: My Action Plan

November 19, 2025

Scams can affect anyone at any time. So make your own scam action plan. Post it on your fridge or keep it near your phone or computer. Then help others in your life make one:
Drop it off at your kid’s, parent’s, or grandparent’s house
Hand it out to your colleagues, friends, and neighbors
Share it at your church, local library, or community center

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Dana Hoffman

Coordinator, Texas Elder Justice Coalition

dhoffman@txelderjustice.org

682-235-5354

PO Box 11481
Fort Worth, TX 76110

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This is a Texas-focused coalition website. Information may not be accurate for other locations. This website is not to be substituted for legal advice. This disclaimer will be governed by and construed in accordance with Texas, and any disputes relating to this disclaimer will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Fort Worth, Texas.

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