GAINESVILLE – As financial scams targeting older adults become increasingly sophisticated, law enforcement officers and investigators from across North Central Florida gathered in Gainesville for specialized training aimed at improving investigations of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
The Aug. 4 training at the Alachua Senior Recreation Center brought together personnel from the Alachua and Marion County sheriff’s offices, Gainesville and Ocala police departments, Adult Protective Services and the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 8th Judicial Circuit.
The session came weeks after the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office warned that local fraud losses are projected to reach $8.6 million in 2026, with people 60 and older accounting for more than half of those targeted.
Authorities have warned that scammers are adopting increasingly sophisticated methods, including artificial intelligence-generated voice cloning and caller ID spoofing. Some schemes involve criminals impersonating law enforcement officers and threatening victims with arrest over purported missed jury duty or outstanding warrants unless money is paid.
Elder Options hosted the training, which was coordinated by Elder Abuse Project Coordinator Leslie Andrews. Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian S. Kramer opened the event and emphasized the importance of cooperation among first responders, investigators and prosecutors in addressing elder abuse and technology-driven fraud.
Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson said specialized training can help investigators recognize abuse and build stronger criminal cases.
“Protecting older adults from abuse and exploitation takes vigilance, collaboration and continuous education,” Gladson said. “The training provided by Elder Options equips law enforcement with the skills to spot warning signs, investigate thoroughly and better serve vulnerable community members.”
“In my experience,” he added, “strong partnerships and specialized training lead to stronger cases that hold offenders accountable and improve justice for victims.”
The curriculum was developed by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life and funded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.
Lead instructors Chris Merkle, a district attorney investigator, and Tara Patet, a veteran prosecutor, focused on techniques investigators can use in complex elder abuse and exploitation cases.
Among the topics was financial exploitation, including the use of forensic tracking software and accounting methods to follow stolen money through complicated transactions.
Participants also received instruction on interviewing older victims and suspects. The training included trauma-informed interviewing techniques and approaches for cases involving cognitive decline or dementia.
Another portion focused on evidence collection and coordination among law enforcement agencies, Adult Protective Services and prosecutors, particularly when investigations cross county or jurisdictional boundaries.
Officials also encouraged residents to report suspected exploitation quickly, particularly when money has already been transferred or a financial account has been compromised. Prompt reporting can improve investigators’ chances of tracing or recovering funds.
Suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older or vulnerable adult can be reported to Florida’s Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Elder Options also operates a helpline at 1-800-262-2243, connecting older adults, caregivers and family members in its 16-county North Central Florida service area with victim advocates and other resources.
Online scams, phishing and AI-assisted fraud also can be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Residents who believe money has been stolen or an account compromised are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately.
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