Resources to Help you Avoid and Report Scams

This is a list of links to official federal, state, and local government resources that explain the most common scams targeted at senior citizens.

Most of this elder abuse goes unreported because we can feel foolish and embarrassed about falling for con artists.

If you get a phone call from an agency or organization that you did not request a call from and the person is telling you they are with any of the following organizations, it is 100% a scam.

None of them will call you about your accounts. I provide links to each so you can read their calling policies and know what to do should you get such a call.

HANG UP THE PHONE

– The IRS
– Medicare
– Social Security
– Microsoft or any Computer Tech/ Virus Support company
– Amazon.com or Major Online Retailer
– Any bank, credit card company, brokerage, insurance company, cable TV or utility company that you did not request a call from.

If they ask you to identify yourself with your Social Security Number, Medicare Number, Credit Card Number, Bank Account Number, or they ask for payment:

HANG UP THE PHONE

Call back the company on the phone number provided on your card or statement.

ONLINE FRIENDS AND DATING

If you meet someone online or through a dating app and they are slowly gathering personal information on each contact or then need you to send them money for ANY reason; they are con artists preying on your loneliness and desire to have a friend or soulmate.

FEDERAL RESOURCES

StopFraud.gov

FBI

FBI Eder Fraud Report – Fascinating and Depressing

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Form

USA.gov

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Office for Victims of Crime

Federal Trade Commission – Fraud Report Form

National Center on Elder Abuse

National Do Not Call Registry – Make sure all of your phone numbers are registered.

WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCES

Attorney General

OREGON RESOURCES

Oregon Consumer Protection

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The National Council on Aging

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

Annual Credit Report – This is the legitimate site. There is no cost to obtain reports from all three credit bureaus. Beware of the look-alike sites as they will steal your identity.

ELDER ABUSE

Millions of senior citizens are abused and most of the abuse goes unreported.

This topic hits home as I have two personal stories to share which will haunt me until the day I die.

I created another page with resources for seniors and their loved ones to help them identify and report elder abuse.