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Elder abuse and fraud

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Elder abuse is harm to an older person, often by someone they know, and includes financial abuse. Scams such as the grandparent scam and fake government calls also target seniors. If you are in danger, call 9-1-1. To report fraud, call your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, and use your province's elder abuse line for advice.

Key facts

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
1-888-495-8501, Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern time
Check a call that claims to be Service Canada
1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
Emergency or immediate danger
9-1-1

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is any action, or failure to act, that harms an older adult. It is often done by someone the person trusts, such as a family member, friend, neighbour or caregiver. It can happen at home or in a care home.

Warning signs include changes in mood such as fear or withdrawal, unexplained injuries, poor hygiene or lack of food, unpaid bills, and unusual bank withdrawals.

Financial abuse and power of attorney

Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorized use of someone else's money or property. Examples include cashing your pension cheque and keeping some of the money, pressuring you to lend or give away money, or getting you to sign papers you do not understand. It often happens slowly over a long time.

A power of attorney for property lets a person you choose manage your money if you cannot. Pick someone you trust. You can name two people and require them to act together. Your attorney must use your money for your benefit and can be required by law to account for it. Each province has its own rules and names for these documents.

Be careful with joint bank accounts. Anyone named on the account can withdraw money at any time.

Ask someone you trust to read contracts and financial papers before you sign them.

Common scams targeting seniors

Fraudsters use fear and urgency to rush you. These are the scams the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns about most often.

What the CRA and Service Canada will never do

Service Canada says it will not ask for personal information through calls, texts or emails you did not expect. 1-800-O-Canada does not call people to give them instructions about their file. Real letters from Service Canada come in beige or white envelopes with the Canada wordmark.

The CRA will never ask you to pay with prepaid credit cards, gift cards or cryptocurrency. It will not ask for information unrelated to your taxes, such as a credit card number. Law enforcement will never demand payment or threaten arrest by phone or email.

If you are not sure, hang up. Call the agency back using a number from an official letter or the canada.ca website, never a number the caller gives you.

What to do if you have been scammed

  1. Stop all contact with the scammer. Do not send more money, even if they promise to return what you lost.
  2. Call your bank or card company right away and tell them what happened.
  3. Report it to your local police as soon as possible.
  4. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca. You can stay anonymous.
  5. If the scammer has your Social Insurance Number or government account details, call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

Do not feel ashamed. Scammers are skilled, and reporting helps police link cases and warn others.

Elder abuse help lines by province and territory

If you or someone you know is being abused, you can talk to someone in confidence. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Things people often miss

Who to contact

Common questions

Who do I call to report elder abuse in Canada?

Call 9-1-1 if someone is in danger. Otherwise, call your province's elder abuse line listed above, or your local police.

How do I report a scam call in Canada?

Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca. If you lost money, also call your bank and local police.

What is the grandparent scam?

A caller pretends to be your grandchild, or a lawyer or police officer, and says the grandchild needs money right away. Hang up and call your grandchild on a number you already have.

Does the CRA call people and threaten arrest?

No. The CRA does not ask for payment by gift card, prepaid card or cryptocurrency, and law enforcement does not threaten arrest by phone.

Does Service Canada call about my SIN?

Service Canada says it will not ask for personal information through calls, texts or emails you did not expect. Call 1-800-622-6232 to check.

What are the signs of financial abuse of a senior?

Unpaid bills, unusual bank withdrawals, missing money or belongings, and pressure to sign papers or give money.

Can a power of attorney take my money?

An attorney must use your money only for your benefit and can be required to account for it. Misuse can be a crime. Contact police or your province's public guardian.

I sent money to a scammer. Can I get it back?

Call your bank right away. Recovery is not guaranteed, but acting quickly gives the best chance. Report to police and the Anti-Fraud Centre.

Sources

  1. Report fraud and cybercrime (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
  2. Emergency scams (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
  3. Extortion scams (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
  4. Scam and fraud prevention: Service Canada (Government of Canada)
  5. Scams and fraud (Government of Canada)
  6. How to verify the CRA has contacted you (Canada Revenue Agency)
  7. Protect yourself from scams and fraud (Government of Canada)
  8. What every older Canadian should know about: Financial abuse (Government of Canada)
  9. What every older Canadian should know about: Powers of attorney and joint bank accounts (Government of Canada)
  10. Information about elder abuse (Government of Ontario)
  11. Where to get help (elder abuse) (Government of British Columbia)
  12. Elder abuse (Government of Alberta)
  13. Safety and security (seniors) (Government of Manitoba)
  14. Adult Protection (Government of New Brunswick)
  15. Adult Protection (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
  16. Getting help for elder abuse (Government of the Northwest Territories)
  17. Where to find help (Government of Nova Scotia)
  18. Adult Protection Program (Government of Prince Edward Island)
  19. Accessing support services and resources for older adults and vulnerable people (Gouvernement du Québec)
  20. Investigating financial abuse (Government of Saskatchewan)
  21. Get help: an adult is being abused or neglected (Government of Yukon)

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