Who we serve:

Victims of financial exploitation/abuse​ 60 years of age and older throughout the state of Wisconsin.

What is the Elder Financial Empowerment Project?

The Elder Financial Empowerment Project provides information, consultations, referrals, advocacy, and legal assistance to senior victims of financial exploitation.
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​What is Financial Exploitation?
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Financial exploitation is the misuse of a senior’s money or property by others. It includes deceiving a senior, diverting income, mismanaging funds and taking money, property, and possessions against a senior’s will. Adult children, grandchildren, other relatives, caregivers, acquaintances, or friends sometimes commit these acts. Financial exploitation also includes identity theft and medical fraud. 

How do you know if you or an older adult you know is being financially exploited? Ask yourself the following questions and look for the warning signs listed below.

Have there been changes in the individual’s money management?

• ​Changes in account balances, spending habits
• Unusual account activity, opening or closing accounts
• Missed bill payments, disconnected utilities

With whom does the individual associate?

• People with unusual behavior
• People who appear to control the individual’s actions
• People who exhibit an odd or extreme level of care, concern, or knowledge about the individual
• People who actively try to isolate the individual

Have there been any changes in legal documents, including real estate transfers?

• Newly executed documents
• Recent or repeated revocations or codicils
• Forged signatures
• Altered documents
• Pre-signed checks/withdrawal slips or stamped-signature checks/withdrawal slips
• Transfers made that the individual does not understand

Does the individual’s behavior seem different?

• Watch for indications of fear, shame, or humiliation
• Hesitation to talk or seek help
• Timid or confused, changes his or her mind frequently
• Rapid deterioration in health condition
• Untreated medical conditions

Are there indications of other types of abuse?

• Missing property
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect or self-neglect

If you believe someone you know is being financially exploited, do not hesitate to call the Elder Financial Empowerment Project at the numbers listed below. You can also call your local police, your county’s elder adult at risk agency, or 911 if the situation is dangerous
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Are you being financially exploited or know an elder who may be?

Contact Us:
Toll-free: 1-800-488-2596    
Madison: (608) 224-0606  Leave a message with either number. 

Email: Please use our confidential contact form and provide the requested information and then submit. 

To schedule a presentation for a group, please use our contact form and include
​all pertinent contact information. ​

For a calendar of upcoming presentations and trainings check our calendar

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This project is supported by the Victims of Crime Act Subgrant No. 2021-VO-A/VO- 01 18243 awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services under a grant from the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.

EFEP does not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical history, or other non-merit characteristics.