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Oregon Division of Financial Regulation Urges Vigilance Against Elder Financial Abuse on World Awareness Day

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Published on June 12, 2025
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation Urges Vigilance Against Elder Financial Abuse on World Awareness DaySource: Google Street View

As June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is calling on locals to keep an eye out for elder financial exploitation. Per a report from the National Center on Elder Abuse, our aging population is at risk, particularly those who are isolated or in declining health. The National Council on Aging points out a grim statistic: about 1 in 10 Americans over 60 have faced some form of elder abuse, financial abuse being a prevalent type with losses ranging anywhere from $2.6 billion to a staggering $36 billion annually.

DFR administrator, TK Keen, warns that scammers commonly use tricks rooted in familiarity, urgency, or fear to defraud seniors, as disclosed to the public. An increasingly digital world only amplifies this threat. Keen encourages open conversations about common scams and preventive measures to avoid them. Signs to watch for include sudden friendship changes, especially with those angling for financial control, reluctance to talk money, or abrupt shifts in spending.

For those worrying that someone they know might be a victim of financial abuse, the DFR urges them to call Oregon’s abuse reporting hotline (855-503-SAFE) or visit the DFR’s fraud prevention site. The hotline and resources provided are part of a broader initiative to combat this issue, including the requirement for securities professionals to report suspected exploitation under Oregon’s Senior Safe Act.

Help is available beyond hotline numbers. DFR's consumer advocates are on standby to assist with inquiries or complaints, reachable at 1-888-877-4894 or via email at [email protected]. For those in the securities trade suspecting financial abuse, DFR has a dedicated webpage for filing reports.