Today and every day, we’re shining a spotlight on an important issue: elder financial abuse. But what does this mean? Elder financial abuse occurs when someone misuses, steals, or exploits the finances of an older adult. It can take many forms, from outright theft to more subtle forms of manipulation.
Each year, June 15th marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a reminder for all of us to have a conversation with our loved ones about this issue. It’s a good time to learn the warning signs of elder financial abuse—the most common type of elder mistreatment.
What Does Elder Financial Abuse Look Like?
Elder financial abuse can involve pressuring or deceiving seniors into making financial decisions that aren’t in their best interest. This could be. Examples include unauthorized withdrawals from retirement accounts or selling financial products that are unsuitable for their needs.
By staying informed and vigilant, we can help protect our loved ones and community members from financial exploitation. Let’s work together to raise awareness and keep our elders safe.
For WEAAD 2025, we teamed up with BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt. Watch this conversation with BCSC’s Pamela McDonald to build your knowledge about elder financial abuse.
Report a Concern
If you have any concerns about a person or company offering an investment opportunity, please contact BCSC Contact Centre at 604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393, or through email at [email protected]. You can also file a complaint or submit a tip using the BCSC’s online complaint form.
InvestRight.org is the BC Securities Commission’s investor education website. Subscribe to receive email updates from BCSC InvestRight.

