For Older Iowans
Protecting Older Iowans from Abuse, Exploitation, and Scams
Iowa’s growing older population needs trusted information, accessible support, and strong consumer protections.
Abuse and exploitation of older adults often go unreported. In many cases, the harm comes from people in positions of trust. Recognizing warning signs early and knowing where to turn for help can make a critical difference.
Quick Facts
What We Are Seeing in Iowa
Complaints from Iowans age 60 and older reflect real concerns reaching our office across recent quarters.
Complainants age 60+
Complainants age 60+
Complainants age 60+
Complainants age 60+
Complainants age 60+
These figures reflect complainants age 60 and older who filed complaints with our office during the past five quarters. While trends may vary by quarter, the data underscores the continued need for prevention, outreach, and reporting resources.
Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse
Inflicting pain or injury on an older adult, including hitting, pushing, restraining, or other harmful conduct.
Emotional Abuse
Threats, intimidation, humiliation, harassment, or isolation that causes fear, distress, or withdrawal.
Financial Exploitation
Misusing money, benefits, property, or assets through theft, coercion, deception, or abuse of trust.
Neglect
Failing to provide basic necessities such as food, shelter, hygiene, medications, or needed medical care.
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual sexual contact or activity, especially where an older adult cannot fully understand or refuse.
Abandonment
Desertion by someone responsible for care, or leaving an older adult without the support needed to remain safe.
Warning Signs
Physical or Neglect Indicators
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or fractures
- Poor hygiene or unsafe living conditions
- Untreated medical needs
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
Emotional or Behavioral Changes
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Fearful, anxious, or depressed behavior
- Sudden confusion or unusual distress
- Tense or controlling caregiver interactions
Financial Red Flags
- Unusual withdrawals or missing funds
- Changes to financial documents or accounts
- Unpaid bills despite available income
- A new person pressuring financial decisions
Financial Exploitation Is Rising
Financial abuse is one of the most common and damaging forms of elder abuse.
Scammers increasingly target older adults through impersonation schemes, phone scams, fake tech support, romance scams, investment fraud, and pressure tactics that create panic or secrecy.
For many older Iowans, especially those living on fixed incomes, even one incident can cause lasting financial and emotional harm.
Resources and Reporting
Report Elder Abuse
If you believe an older adult is in danger or being mistreated, report it right away.
Report concerns →Area Agencies on Aging
Six Area Agencies on Aging serve all 99 counties and connect older adults and caregivers to local services.
Find local support →Medicare & Fraud Help (SHIIP)
Get confidential, one-on-one Medicare counseling and help identifying potential fraud or scams.
Get help with Medicare →Coordinated Response in Iowa (ILAST)
Iowa agencies work together through a coordinated team approach to respond to elder abuse cases and support victims.
Learn how agencies work together →Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Federal programs and services that support the health, independence, and well-being of older adults.
Explore CFPB resources →Elder Justice Initiative (DOJ)
National resources on elder abuse prevention, prosecution, and victim support.
View DOJ resources →Administration on Aging
Federal programs and services supporting the health, independence, and well-being of older adults.
Learn more →
