7 Best Resources For Reporting Fraud For Seniors Most People Overlook

When a suspicious email or a too-good-to-be-true phone call arrives, most people know to report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). But the FTC is a data collection agency, a vital first step but often not the last one you should take. For targeted, hands-on assistance, a more specialized toolkit is required.

Friendly Disclaimer : This content is for educational & general research purposes only. Please consult healthcare providers or other qualified professionals for personalized medical, caregiving, or health-related advice.

Friendly Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!

Beyond the FTC: Uncovering Hidden Fraud Hotlines

Everyone has heard of the FTC, and reporting fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov is an essential step. It helps federal authorities spot trends and build cases against large-scale criminal operations. Think of it as contributing to a national crime database—your report adds a crucial piece to a much larger puzzle.

However, the FTC’s primary role is not to resolve your individual case. They don’t assign an investigator to your specific complaint or work to recover your money directly. That’s why knowing where else to turn is so critical. The following resources are designed for more direct intervention, specialized support, and action on a local, state, or industry-specific level.

DOJ’s National Elder Fraud Hotline for Support

When fraud leaves you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of the next step, the Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline is a powerful resource. Staffed by professionals who understand the emotional and financial toll of these crimes, this hotline offers more than just a place to file a report. They provide comprehensive case management, helping victims navigate the reporting process and connecting them with other appropriate agencies.

This hotline is particularly useful when the situation is complex or you need guidance on what to do first. For instance, if you’ve been targeted by a romance scam or a "grandparent scam," the specialists can offer immediate advice on securing your accounts and provide emotional support. They act as a knowledgeable and compassionate first responder, ensuring you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. You can reach them at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

Your Local Adult Protective Services (APS) Unit

Many people associate Adult Protective Services with cases of neglect or physical abuse, but their mandate is much broader. Your local APS unit is a primary resource for investigating financial exploitation, especially when the perpetrator is a known person, such as a family member, caregiver, or new "friend." They are uniquely positioned to intervene at a local level.

Think of a situation where a neighbor is persistently pressuring an older adult for money, or a home health aide is suddenly using their client’s credit cards for personal purchases. These are classic APS cases. Unlike federal hotlines, APS can dispatch a social worker, investigate the situation directly, and work with local law enforcement or legal aid to protect the individual’s assets and well-being. They can initiate court proceedings for guardianship or a protective order if necessary, providing a level of immediate, on-the-ground intervention that other agencies can’t.

The USPIS for Combating Persistent Mail Fraud

If the fraud arrives in your mailbox, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is your best ally. As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service, they have specific jurisdiction over any crime that uses the mail. This includes everything from classic sweepstakes and lottery scams to fraudulent work-from-home offers and fake charity solicitations that arrive via post.

The USPIS is particularly effective against schemes that rely on repeated mailings. If you or someone you know is receiving a steady stream of deceptive prize notifications that require a "fee" to claim winnings, the Postal Inspectors can investigate. They have the authority to intercept fraudulent mail and build federal cases against the perpetrators. Reporting mail fraud helps them identify and dismantle the networks behind these persistent and predatory schemes.

FINRA’s Helpline for Investment-Related Scams

When a financial advisor’s advice seems questionable or an investment opportunity feels pressured and opaque, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the place to turn. FINRA is a non-governmental organization that regulates brokerage firms and their brokers in the United States. Their Securities Helpline for Seniors is a dedicated, free resource to help individuals with investment-related questions and concerns.

This helpline can help you vet a financial professional’s background, understand a confusing account statement, or identify the red flags of investment fraud, such as promises of "guaranteed" high returns. For example, if you’re being pushed to invest in a private company you’ve never heard of or liquidate your long-term holdings for a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, the helpline specialists can provide unbiased information. They can’t give investment advice, but they can equip you with the tools and knowledge to protect your nest egg.

The Senate Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline

This resource serves a unique and vital dual purpose: it provides direct assistance to victims while also informing federal legislation. The Senate Special Committee on Aging has been at the forefront of investigating and combating elder fraud for decades. Their fraud hotline is staffed by investigators who can provide case assistance and help you navigate the reporting process with other agencies.

When you report a scam to the Senate Aging Committee, your story does more than just help you. It becomes part of a larger body of evidence used by senators and their staff to understand emerging fraud trends. This information directly influences hearings, informs new laws, and helps shape the federal government’s strategy for protecting older adults. Calling this hotline at 1-855-303-9470 means you’re not only getting help but also contributing to systemic change.

Your State Attorney General’s Consumer Unit

For scams that operate within your state’s borders, your State Attorney General’s office is a formidable advocate. Every AG’s office has a consumer protection division tasked with enforcing state laws against deceptive business practices. This is the go-to resource for issues like home repair scams, predatory car sales, or fraudulent telemarketers operating locally.

Imagine you’ve paid a contractor for a new roof, but they’ve disappeared after doing half the work. Or perhaps a local company is bombarding you with misleading robocalls. The State Attorney General can take direct legal action, including filing lawsuits, seeking restitution for victims, and shutting down fraudulent operations. They often work in tandem with other state licensing boards, providing a powerful, localized response to consumer fraud.

The CFPB for Financial Product Complaints

When the issue involves a financial product or service—like a credit card, a mortgage, a bank account, or a debt collector—the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is the designated watchdog. The CFPB was created specifically to protect consumers in the financial marketplace. They have a streamlined complaint process that can yield tangible results.

If you find an unauthorized charge on your credit card statement that the bank won’t resolve, or if you’re having a dispute with your mortgage servicer, filing a complaint with the CFPB is a crucial step. The bureau will forward your complaint to the company, which is required to respond, and will work to get you a resolution. The CFPB also publishes complaint data, creating public pressure on financial institutions to treat their customers fairly and transparently.

Knowing who to call is the first step toward reclaiming control after a fraud attempt. By moving beyond a single point of contact and utilizing these specialized resources, you empower yourself with a team of advocates. Keep this list handy, share it with friends and family, and never hesitate to make the call.