Who: The National Elder Fraud Hotline helps report and get resources.
When to use: Use when you or a senior you know was targeted by fraud.
What to prepare:
- What happened
- When
- Who contacted them
Category: Emerging & other
Elder fraud (60+) – resources
How it often plays out
Frank, 72, has been getting daily calls from “his bank” about a “suspicious transaction.” They’ve convinced him to move his savings to a “secure account” and have already taken $30,000. Elder fraud often combines tech-support, government-imposter, or romance schemes with repeated contact to build trust and isolate the victim. Reporting and getting support early can limit losses and protect others. Elder fraud often combines tech-support, government-imposter, or romance schemes with repeated contact to build trust and isolate the victim. If you or someone you know is 60+ and has been targeted, report to the FTC and IC3 and contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline for help.
How to spot it
Common red flags: pressure to act immediately, requests for payment by gift card or wire, offers that seem too good to be true, or unsolicited requests for your personal or financial details.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Report to the FTC and IC3 with as much detail as possible if you or someone 60+ was targeted.
- Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline for reporting help and resources.
- Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if financial info was shared.
Don't
- Feel embarrassed to report; it helps others and can limit harm.
- Wait to report; acting quickly can help recovery.
- Leave an older adult without support; share hotline and reporting links.
Summary & what to do
Older adults are often targeted by tech support, government impersonation, romance, and investment scams. Report to the FTC and IC3, and contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline for support.
What to do right now
- If you or someone you know is 60+ and was targeted, report to the FTC and IC3 with as much detail as possible.
- Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline for reporting help and resources.
- Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if financial info was shared.
Where to report
Who: The FTC collects elder fraud reports.
When to use: Use to report the scam.
What to prepare:
- What happened
- Amount lost if any
FTC ReportFraud~5 min
Who: The FBI's IC3 has an elder fraud focus.
When to use: Use when the scam was online and the victim is 60+.
What to prepare:
- Details of the scam
- Losses
Go to IC3~10 min
Build your knowledge: Recommended reading — books & free websites on financial literacy and fraud awareness