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Centre County proclaims June 2025 as Elder Abuse Prevention Month as officials cite rising financial exploitation
Summary
Commissioners adopted Proclamation 32 of 25 declaring June 2025 Elder Abuse Prevention Month after county aging staff detailed growing reports of elder abuse and a shift toward financial exploitation. County officials promoted an upcoming "Scam Jam" and urged residents to report suspected scams and call law enforcement early.
Centre County commissioners adopted Proclamation 32 of 25 on a voice vote, designating June 2025 as Elder Abuse Prevention Month and hearing from county aging staff about rising reports of elder abuse and a recent shift toward financial exploitation.
The county’s aging staff framed why the proclamation matters: protective services investigations rose from 73 reports in 2013 to 309 in 2023 and 354 last year, and “financial exploitation is the number 1 report” this year, staff said. The Office of Aging asked the public to use a 24/7 reporting line and to attend an outreach event the office is calling a “Scam Jam.”
Quentin (Office of Aging staff) told the board the county’s protective services team has three full‑time workers who investigate allegations including caregiver neglect, self‑neglect and financial exploitation. "If the person is in need of protective services, then we work with the older adult to set up a plan to mitigate or eliminate the risk to the older adult," Quentin said.
Sherry (Centre County Office of Aging staff) described the county’s Elder Abuse Task Force and outreach plans: "The task force works to create an awareness of elder abuse, educate the community on elder abuse prevention, improve coordination between service providers and aid law enforcement and the courts and prosecuting offenders." She said the task force meets quarterly and will host another Scam Jam "the 13th in our new building" to show services and provide information on blocking calls, verifying contacts and checking credit reports.
County commissioners and other officials urged quick reporting and public education. Commissioner Concepcion (Commissioner) told the presenters, "making sure people have that information on how to make a report ... is really important." Several commissioners and staff emphasized that many reports come through banks and law enforcement and that early police involvement can help stop ongoing schemes.
Staff and commissioners noted how scams have changed: county staff said scammers now often use phone‑spoofing, voice mimicry and targeted background research to make contacts seem credible, and that some exploitation is committed by friends or family members rather than remote scammers.
Action and next steps: a commissioner moved to adopt Proclamation 32 of 25 (declaring June 2025 as Elder Abuse Prevention Month); the motion passed on a voice vote. County aging staff said they will share flyers and resources, host the Scam Jam, and provide informational material for the public and for county websites.
The proclamation centers outreach and prevention; county aging staff urged residents who suspect exploitation to contact local law enforcement, the sheriff’s office or the Office of Aging’s reporting line for 24/7 assistance.
