Best Elder Abuse & Protection in District of Columbia — 14 resources

14 Resources

1. District of Columbia: Adult Protective Services — Free

Adult Protective Services — operated by District of Columbia — handles Adult Protective Services reporting, fraud prevention, scam alerts, and abuse intervention for residents 60+. The state agency page links to applications, FAQs, and local field offices. Services are offered at no cost to qualifying District of Columbia residents. Useful for family members worried about a senior being isolated, controlled, or financially manipulated by a caregiver or relative. Adult Protective Services intake is...

Statewide · Varies · Visit Website

2. National Center on Elder Abuse — Free

NCEA — federally funded resource on preventing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. A starting point for any senior, family member, or neighbor who suspects something is wrong but isn't sure what to do. Adult Protective Services intake is confidential; reporters' names are not shared with the suspected abuser. AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline and the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov are practical resources before and after a scam. Free, confidential, and available to any D.C. resident who needs the information.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

3. NAPSA - Adult Protective Services — Free

National Adult Protective Services Association — find your state APS to report elder abuse. Useful for family members worried about a senior being isolated, controlled, or financially manipulated by a caregiver or relative. Banks now have safe harbors to refuse suspicious transactions on senior accounts; ask about elder financial protection at the branch. Adult guardianship can be appointed by a court when capacity is gone; emergency guardianship is faster but temporary. Free service; donations...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

4. DOJ Elder Justice Initiative — Free

US Department of Justice resources on prosecuting elder abuse and financial fraud. Useful for family members worried about a senior being isolated, controlled, or financially manipulated by a caregiver or relative. Anonymous reporting is allowed but limits APS's ability to follow up — leaving contact info helps the investigation. AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline and the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov are practical resources before and after a scam. Open at no cost to D.C. seniors and the families supporting them.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

5. AARP Fraud Watch Network — Free

Free helpline 1-877-908-3360 for fraud help. Scam alerts and prevention. Worth contacting after spotting unexplained bank withdrawals, new "friends," missing belongings, or sudden POA changes. Banks now have safe harbors to refuse suspicious transactions on senior accounts; ask about elder financial protection at the branch. Scams targeting seniors stole over

billion in 2024 alone — IRS impersonation, grandparent scams, and romance scams lead the list. Free, confidential, and available to any D.C....

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

6. FTC Consumer Information — Free

Federal Trade Commission scam alerts and consumer protection. Pass It On for older adults. Useful for family members worried about a senior being isolated, controlled, or financially manipulated by a caregiver or relative. Banks now have safe harbors to refuse suspicious transactions on senior accounts; ask about elder financial protection at the branch. Self-neglect (refusing food, hygiene, medical care) is the most common form of "abuse" — APS handles it when capacity is in question. Open at no cost...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

7. FBI Elder Fraud — Free

FBI resources on common scams targeting seniors. Report fraud to ic3.gov. Relevant for hospital staff, banks, and care workers required by law to report suspected abuse — APS shields good-faith reporters. Adult Protective Services intake is confidential; reporters' names are not shared with the suspected abuser. Most elder abuse is financial and most perpetrators are family members — adult children with substance abuse or gambling problems are the most common pattern. Free, confidential, and available...

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker — Free

Report and search reported scams in your area to protect yourself and others. Useful for family members worried about a senior being isolated, controlled, or financially manipulated by a caregiver or relative. Adult Protective Services intake is confidential; reporters' names are not shared with the suspected abuser. Adult guardianship can be appointed by a court when capacity is gone; emergency guardianship is faster but temporary. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. National Consumers League Fraud — Free

Fraud.org — report telemarketing and internet scams to NCL. Relevant for hospital staff, banks, and care workers required by law to report suspected abuse — APS shields good-faith reporters. Banks now have safe harbors to refuse suspicious transactions on senior accounts; ask about elder financial protection at the branch. Adult guardianship can be appointed by a court when capacity is gone; emergency guardianship is faster but temporary. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Identity Theft Resource Center — Free

Free help for identity theft victims and prevention information. Useful for family members worried about a senior being isolated, controlled, or financially manipulated by a caregiver or relative. Anonymous reporting is allowed but limits APS's ability to follow up — leaving contact info helps the investigation. AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline and the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov are practical resources before and after a scam. Open at no cost to D.C. seniors and the families supporting them.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. CFPB Older Americans — Free

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office for Older Americans — financial protection. Built for reporting suspected elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or financial scams targeting older adults. Online and phone reporting are both available; for life-threatening situations, call 911 first. AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline and the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov are practical resources before and after a scam. Open at no cost to D.C. seniors and the families supporting them.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. National Crime Prevention Council — Free

Tips and resources on preventing crime against seniors. McGruff the Crime Dog. A starting point for any senior, family member, or neighbor who suspects something is wrong but isn't sure what to do. Most reports lead to a home visit by an APS caseworker within 24-72 hours; emergency situations are prioritized. Self-neglect (refusing food, hygiene, medical care) is the most common form of "abuse" — APS handles it when capacity is in question. Open at no cost to D.C. seniors and the families supporting them.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. District of Columbia Adult Protective Services — Free

Report suspected elder abuse in District of Columbia. Find your state APS via NAPSA. Relevant for hospital staff, banks, and care workers required by law to report suspected abuse — APS shields good-faith reporters. Most reports lead to a home visit by an APS caseworker within 24-72 hours; emergency situations are prioritized. AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline and the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov are practical resources before and after a scam. Free, confidential, and available to any D.C. resident who needs the...

Statewide · Varies · Visit Website

14. District of Columbia AARP Fraud Watch — Free

AARP fraud helpline 1-877-908-3360 — scam help available to all District of Columbia residents. Worth contacting after spotting unexplained bank withdrawals, new "friends," missing belongings, or sudden POA changes. Adult Protective Services intake is confidential; reporters' names are not shared with the suspected abuser. Most elder abuse is financial and most perpetrators are family members — adult children with substance abuse or gambling problems are the most common pattern. Free service;...

Statewide · Varies · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many elder abuse & protection resources are in District of Columbia?
Elders Corner tracks 14 elder abuse & protection resources for seniors and caregivers in District of Columbia.
Are elder abuse & protection resources in District of Columbia free?
14 of the 14 listed elder abuse & protection resources in District of Columbia are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in District of Columbia have elder abuse & protection resources?
Resources serve multiple cities and counties in District of Columbia.
What are some examples of elder abuse & protection resources in District of Columbia?
Featured entries include District of Columbia: Adult Protective Services, National Center on Elder Abuse, NAPSA - Adult Protective Services, DOJ Elder Justice Initiative, AARP Fraud Watch Network.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
0 of 14 District of Columbia elder abuse & protection listings include phone numbers.