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Spot and stop scams

Scammers target older adults and the people who help them. Here's how to spot a scam, what to say, and who to call. Share it with someone you help.

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

If it's happening now

Free help: National Elder Fraud Hotline, 833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

The hotline never calls you first or asks for money.

Report online any time at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

  1. Stop. Don't pay, and don't share codes, card numbers or passwords.
  2. Hang up. Call back on a number you already know.
  3. Talk to someone you trust before you do anything.
  4. Already paid? Call your bank or card company today. Use the number on your card.

Four signs of a scam

  • They say they're someone you know or trust.

  • They say there's a problem, or that you won a prize.

  • They push you to act right now.

  • They tell you how to pay: a gift card, a wire, crypto, a payment app, cash or gold.

Common scams

  • Family emergency. A call that a grandchild or relative is in trouble, sometimes in their cloned voice. Your relative is safe to call on their own number.

  • Government or bank caller. Real agencies and banks never ask you to move money, buy gold or hand cash to a courier.

  • Tech support. Real security warnings never ask you to call a number.

  • Romance. Someone you met online who asks for money, or about your savings, is a scammer.

  • Investment and crypto. Real investments never guarantee returns. Only scammers demand crypto.

  • Prize or sweepstakes. A real prize is free. Paying to collect means it's a scam.

  • Home repair. A worker who shows up unasked and wants cash and a decision today.

  • Medicare. Medicare never calls to sell you anything or to ask for your number.

Scams when looking for care

  • Copied listings. Scammers copy real listings and change the phone number. Call the community on the number from its own website.

  • Deposits before you visit. You can visit before you pay anything. Never send a deposit by wire, gift card, crypto or a payment app.

  • Pushy "free" advisors. A real advisor gives you time and more than one choice. Ask any advisor: "Who pays you?"

How to check a provider

  1. Look at the licensing section on the provider's SeniorLeaf page.

  2. Ask the state licensing agency for the latest inspection report.

  3. Ask the long-term care ombudsman about complaints.

  4. Pay the business directly, through its own office or website.

Protect yourself ahead of time

A few settings and habits stop most scams before they start.

  • Turn on your phone company's free call blocking, and let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Real callers leave a message.

    fcc.gov

  • Add your numbers to the Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. Honest companies stop calling, so a pushy caller is a warning sign.

  • Turn on bank and card alerts, so you hear about every payment the moment it happens.

    consumerfinance.gov

  • Name a trusted contact with your bank and investment firms. They can call that person if something looks wrong.

    finra.org

  • Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's free, and you can lift it any time.

    consumer.ftc.gov

  • Stop pre-approved credit offers in the mail at optoutprescreen.com or 1-888-567-8688.

  • Read your Medicare statements. Report any service you didn't get.

    medicare.gov

  • Set a regular time to look over accounts with someone you trust, and agree on a family safe word.

What to say

  • "I don't make money decisions on the phone."
  • "I'll call you back on a number I already have."
  • "I'm going to talk to my family first."

Agree on a family safe word. Ask for it if a call about a relative feels wrong.

Already paid or shared information?

It's not your fault. Scammers are skilled criminals. Acting quickly helps.

  1. Today: call your bank, card company or the payment app. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
  2. Stop replying to the scammer. Keep the messages and receipts.
  3. Call the Elder Fraud Hotline, 833-372-8311. A case manager can file the reports for you.
  4. If you shared personal details, freeze your credit for free and visit IdentityTheft.gov.
  5. Change passwords on any account you shared.

Anyone who offers to get your money back for a fee is also a scammer.

Talking helps: AARP Fraud Watch helpline, 877-908-3360, and free AARP ReST support groups.

Where to report

ChannelWhen to use itContact
National Elder Fraud HotlineFraud against anyone 60 or older; they can file reports for you833-372-8311
Your bank or card companyMoney already left your accountThe number on your card
FTCAny scamReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357
FBI IC3Scams online, by email or through appsic3.gov
Adult Protective ServicesSomeone is taking advantage of an older adultFind your state at napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area
Your state attorney generalConsumer complaints in your statenaag.org/find-my-ag
MedicareMedicare fraud1-800-633-4227
Social SecuritySocial Security impersonationoig.ssa.gov
Identity theftSomeone used your personal detailsIdentityTheft.gov
AARP Fraud WatchAdvice and someone to talk to877-908-3360