Injustice Watch

Exploited Elders

David Jackson

To produce a four-part series about the financial exploitation of the elderly, Injustice Watch “reviewed thousands of pages of records, analyzed previously unpublished federal data, and interviewed more than 50 victims, family members, and experts.” The project revealed how, instead of protecting older adults from financial exploitation, an Illinois system “leaves them more vulnerable to harm and isolation.” David Jackson’s reporting is “compulsively readable and built on meticulous and eye-opening reporting,” one judge wrote. Another said the work “represents the highest calling of investigative journalism.”

Read the Winning Work

In Illinois, a system meant to protect against elder financial exploitation is failing 

Older Black Americans are at higher risk for financial exploitation

Probate court cases illustrate Illinois’ broken adult protection system

Citi wealth adviser accused of steering older clients into money-losing film projects