Already Been Scammed? Start Here First
If you've been scammed in the last 24 hours, go directly to our emergency steps guide — it walks you through exactly what to do right now in priority order, including bank contact, gift card recovery, credit freezing, and reporting.
🚨 Emergency & Victim Support
AARP Fraud Watch Helpline
AARP · Free · No membership required
Trained counsellors help scam victims understand what happened, navigate next steps, and find emotional support — without judgment. Available Monday–Friday.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
U.S. Department of Justice · Free
DOJ case managers help victims of fraud aged 60+ navigate the reporting process at federal, state, and local levels. Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm ET.
Identity Theft Resource Center
ITRC · Free advisors · No cost
Free one-on-one support from trained advisors for identity theft victims. No cost, no judgment. Available by phone and live chat.
Adult Protective Services
State agencies · For ongoing exploitation
If an elder is being financially exploited on an ongoing basis — including by a caregiver or family member — APS can investigate and intervene.
📋 Report a Scam
FTC — ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Federal Trade Commission · Primary report for all scams
File first here for any scam type. Your report enters the Consumer Sentinel database shared with 2,000+ law enforcement agencies. Takes ~15 minutes.
FBI — IC3.gov
Internet Crime Complaint Center · Online fraud
Essential for online fraud, large losses, cryptocurrency, and cases with international elements. IC3 data feeds FBI investigations. Takes ~20 minutes.
TIGTA — IRS Impersonation
Treasury Inspector General · Tax scams
Report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Also handles tax identity theft referrals.
HHS OIG — Medicare Fraud
Dept. of Health & Human Services OIG
Primary agency for investigating Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Report fraudulent claims, fake Medicare representatives, and benefit theft here.
SSA OIG — Social Security Scams
Social Security Administration OIG
Report Social Security impersonation scams, benefit theft, and misuse of your Social Security number to the SSA Office of Inspector General.
CFTC & SEC — Investment Fraud
For crypto and securities fraud
Report cryptocurrency fraud and commodity scams to the CFTC. Report securities fraud (stocks, bonds, investment advisors) to the SEC.
🔒 Protect Yourself — Free Tools
Credit Freeze — All 3 Bureaus
Equifax · Experian · TransUnion · Free
Blocks new accounts from being opened in your name. Free, takes 15 minutes, doesn't affect your credit score or existing accounts. Do this today.
IdentityTheft.gov
Federal Trade Commission · Free recovery plan
Creates a personalised identity theft recovery plan, pre-fills dispute letters, and generates your FTC Identity Theft Report — a legal document with enhanced rights.
Free Credit Reports (Weekly)
AnnualCreditReport.com · All 3 bureaus free
You're entitled to free weekly credit reports from all three bureaus through 2026. Review regularly for accounts you don't recognise.
IRS Identity Protection PIN
Internal Revenue Service · Free
A 6-digit code that prevents anyone else from filing a tax return in your name. Available to all taxpayers — not just identity theft victims. Get one today.
my Social Security Account
Social Security Administration · Free
Create an account to monitor your Social Security record and add online service blocks that prevent anyone from changing your information without your permission.
FINRA BrokerCheck
FINRA · Verify investment advisors · Free
Verify any financial advisor or broker's licence and disciplinary history before investing. Essential before transferring money to any investment platform.
🏥 Medicare & Benefits
1-800-MEDICARE
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Verify your current plan, check claims, and report fraudulent charges. Available 24/7. Always use this number — never call back a number a caller gave you.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
ACL-funded · Free local assistance
Free assistance identifying and reporting Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Local volunteers help you review Medicare statements and identify suspicious charges.
SHIP — Free Medicare Counselling
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
Unbiased, free Medicare counselling from trained volunteers. Helps you understand your options, compare plans, and identify fraud — with no sales agenda.
CFTC SmartCheck
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Verify cryptocurrency trading platforms and commodity investment firms before transferring any funds. Free look-up tool with registration and complaint history.