NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Elder abuse happens all year, but it is more noticeable during the winter months. Leaders from Adult Protective Services say their reports for fiscal year 2024 were 4,731, which is up more than 200 from fiscal year 2023. Ali Brown, an investigator with the Adult Protective Services, says self-neglect and financial exploitation were the most common allegations. Social isolation is also one of the most significant risk factors. Do you qualify for a North Dakota motor fuel tax refund? See if you’re eligible Brown says they see abuse coming from all types of communities, from rural farmsteads to nursing homes. Elders are also victims of scams like cryptocurrency and romance. Brown says not to trust people online or on the phone for who they say they are because scammers are skilled at manipulating people. "They make it seem urgent. They make it so you don't tell anybody else. They may be pretending to be a detective, they may be pretending to be the IRS, there are a variety of scams that are out there," said Brown. Brown says they already have received calls of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in 2025. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW