With elder financial abuse on rise, state plans two sessions to scuttle the scam

It is estimated that some 3,700 New Hampshire seniors are victimized annually ((CHATgpt generated image)

CONCORD - In any given year 1 in 10 elderly Granite Staters will be victims of financial exploitation schemes separating them from their savings over a lifetime of hard work.

A series of community presentations designed to reduce the number of scams wrought on New Hampshire seniors will take place in Rochester this April, which is National Financial Literacy Month. The presentations are a continuation of the Unit's "Protect Your Wallet, Protect Yourself" Scam Prevention Initiative.

It is estimated that some 3,700 New Hampshire seniors are victimized annually, with referrals to state authorities regarding exploitation of those over 60 rising by 71 percent in the last five years.

The New Hampshire Department of Justice Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit will host two presentations a series of community presentations in Rochester on April 17 and April 22, according to a release from the state's Attorney Generals Office.

The two free educational sessions will assist older adults to recognize, avoid, and respond to scams. As fraudulent schemes continue to target older adults with increasing frequency, the programs provide practical tools to safeguard personal and financial security.

The two sessions will be held on:

• April 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. - Linscott Court, 20 Columbus Ave, Rochester NH (Rochester Housing Authority) - no registration necessary

• April 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. - Wellsweep Acres, 77 Olde Farm Lane, Rochester NH (Rochester Housing Authority) - no registration necessary

All sessions are approximately 90 minutes in length. Older adults, caregivers, family members, and other community members concerned with combatting this growing problem are welcome to attend.

Session Highlights:

Impostor Scams: Learn how to recognize suspicious calls and avoid common tactics used by fraudsters.
Common Payment Methods used by Scammers: Identify how money is transferred by gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency demands.
Identity Fraud: Learn how to safeguard your personal identifying information.
Steps for Reporting and Recovery: Guidance on contacting local authorities, banks, and support services if victimized.
No enrollment is required for the events in Rochester. If you are unable to attend and would like to bring a session to your community, please contact Program Specialist Christa Clapp at Christa.G.Clapp@doj.nh.gov.

About the NH DOJ Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit

The Unit investigates and prosecutes crimes of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation committed against older adults. The Unit is also dedicated to educating the public on issues that affect older adults, including best practices to protect against scams, as well as mandatory reporting requirements for abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Anyone with knowledge that a vulnerable adult has been scammed or financially exploited should also contact the New Hampshire Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, at nheasy.nh.gov.