DALLAS, Texas — A lifetime of work can disappear through a fraudulent phone call, a signature obtained through deception or a trusted person’s theft. Dallas County District Attorney candidate Eric Reed is calling for stronger prosecution of elder financial abuse and fraud, with a coordinated response that helps older adults report exploitation before more money is lost.
“Steal someone’s retirement savings, and you steal far more than money,” said Reed. “You can take away their ability to stay in their home, pay for medicine or live independently. Whether the offender is a stranger or someone they trusted, victims deserve protection and a prosecutor willing to act.”
Financial abuse can involve a relative, caregiver or other trusted person taking an older adult’s income, using accounts without permission or pressuring them to surrender control of their property. Fraud can include deceptive investment schemes, romance scams and criminals impersonating government officials or technical support workers. Reed emphasized that exploitation by someone close to the victim deserves the same serious attention as an organized fraud scheme.
“A family relationship does not excuse theft. A position of trust does not give someone permission to drain a bank account,” said Reed. “We must recognize financial exploitation for the harm it causes and investigate the evidence wherever it leads.”
Reed would make elder financial abuse and fraud a prosecution priority, strengthening coordination among law enforcement, financial institutions, Adult Protective Services and state and federal investigators. His approach would emphasize identifying exploitation early, preserving financial records and pursuing available avenues to recover stolen assets.
“When a report comes in, we need to recognize what may be at stake and move quickly,” said Reed. “Following the money takes skill and coordination. We cannot allow a case to fall through the cracks because the transactions are complicated, the suspects operate across county lines or the victim depends on the person taking their money.”
Reed’s priorities include:
• Strengthening investigations and prosecution. Build prosecutors’ and investigators’ expertise in financial abuse, digital evidence and complex fraud, with clear procedures for coordinating cases across jurisdictions.
• Making reporting easier. Work with senior centers, community organizations and financial institutions to help older adults recognize exploitation and understand where to turn.
• Supporting victims throughout a case. Provide clear updates, accessible assistance and referrals, including support for people who rely on the suspected offender for housing, transportation or care.
• Pursuing financial recovery. Seek restitution and coordinate efforts to identify and recover stolen funds wherever the evidence and law allow.
Reed also emphasized that embarrassment, fear and concern about losing essential care can keep victims silent. Older adults should be treated with dignity, and their wishes and independence should remain central to the response.
“No one should be ashamed to report that they were deceived or afraid to seek help because the person exploiting them is a family member,” said Reed. “Our responsibility is to listen, take the evidence seriously and help victims regain control of their lives.”
Older adults and family members who suspect financial abuse or fraud should contact local law enforcement. Internet-related fraud can also be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
“Dallas County’s older residents should be able to enjoy the lives they worked to build,” said Reed. “Their savings belong to them. Their choices belong to them. Protecting both is part of our responsibility to the public.” Learn more about Reed’s priorities at WriteinReed.com.