Each year on June 15, people around the world come together to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) – a day dedicated to raising awareness of and acting against the exploitation experienced by older adults.
This worldwide initiative, led by the United Nations (UN), highlights the importance of protecting the dignity, safety, and financial well-being of seniors. Learn more about this year’s observance and its theme on the UN’s official page.
Why WEAAD matters
Financial abuse is one of the most common and underreported types of elder abuse, often involving scams, fraud, or misuse of a senior’s money or investments.
While investment scams target Canadians of all ages, older adults are experiencing the most significant losses. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) data shows that investment scams account for nearly half of all reported financial losses. Seniors are disproportionately affected, representing 27.9% of total losses, and those aged 60+ report on the highest financial impact of any age group.
Scamtones
To help seniors and their families recognize the warning signs, the BCSC is acting against elder abuse. We introduced Scamtones, a collection of five custom ringtones that turn every unknown call into a reminder about fraudulent schemes. Scamtones deliver anti-fraud messages in a variety of musical styles – classic rock, country, Motown and jazz – while highlighting the red flags of investment fraud.
What you can do
Check out some of our other tools and resources to help older adults – and those who love them – recognize, reject, and report investment fraud:
- Watch a conversation between the BCSC’s Pamela McDonald and Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate, as they discuss the importance of understanding and recognizing the signs of the elder financial abuse.
- Know how to report suspicious activity to the BCSC
Preventing elder financial abuse is a shared responsibility. On June 15, take a moment to raise awareness, start a conversation, and help protect elders in your community.
