Scam & Fraud Prevention Resources

Did you know?

In 2023, scam and fraud incidents targeting adults aged 60 and older surged by 14%, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). With tech support scams being the most commonly reported, it's crucial for older adults to stay informed and vigilant to protect themselves from these threats. 

Learn more about different types of fraud and scams here.

We want to empower older adults with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves from scams and fraud. Here, you'll find comprehensive resources detailing various types of scams, steps to take if you've been scammed, and immediate actions if you believe you are currently being targeted. Additionally, the page provides guidance on how to report scams, access trusted resources, and adopt proactive measures to safeguard against fraud. 

Scammers, hackers, cybercriminals, or con-artists - they have a lot of names, but all mean relatively the same thing: Criminals trying to steal your information and money.

Who can I call to ask for help?

We recommend calling NC-211 (simply dial 2-1-1) to speak to a free trained operator who can help you. NC-211 is a free, multilingual, statewide service operating 24/7365.

You can also call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at ​​833-372-8311. Call hours are weekdays from 10am - 6pm, English, Español, and other languages for calls are available.

Who do I report a scam or fraud to?

If you are in North Carolina, we recommend filing a complaint with the NC Attorney General's office here or calling toll-free within North Carolina at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. They provide very helpful hands-on guidance - check out their Senior Scam Guide for additional information and scam prevention resources.

Additionally, it is important to file a police report with your local police department. It’s advised to file this report in-person, but it can also be done over the phone. It is important to file a police report so you have an official report of the incident, documentation of evidence, and all important information in one place. Ensure that you obtain a copy of the police report for your records, as it may be needed later.

For investment fraud, charity fraud, and counterfeit products, visit the NC Secretary of State's Office website to file a complaint.

If you want someone to talk you through spotting and reporting a scam or fraud, call the NC-211 hotline (dial 2-1-1) to speak with a trained caller. If you aren’t sure if you’re being scammed, visit the Better Business Bureau’s website and check the existing scams database.

Medicare Fraud: In North Carolina, the Department of Insurance's Senior Medicare Patrol - NCSMP’s toll-free line is 1-855-408-1212 Monday-Friday from 8 AM-5 PM. The ACL funds a Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program can help you learn about Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; detect potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and report concerns. Find your local SMP at smpresource.org or call 1-877-808-2468.

You can also file a complaint online through many government agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Better Business Bureau. You only need to file a complaint once, so choose whichever option is best for you.

I think I’m being scammed but I’m not sure. What should I do?

  • End communication with the suspected scammer immediately. Find the person or company’s contact information on your own through a quick Google search (don’t use redial or caller ID) and call them directly to discuss the situation. 

  • Call someone you trust and talk through the situation with them. You can call NC-211 and speak to a free trained operator who can help.

  • You can lookup existing reported scams through the Better Business Bureau here. 

  • Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed! Scammers are using highly intelligent and manipulative ways to steal from you. Anyone of ANY AGE is susceptible to falling victim to a scam. Ask for help from loved ones or a caregiver.

FAST FACTS: How to Spot a Scam - Common Red Flags

Know the Red Flags: Most scammers use common tactics to steal your information or money. Read more about common scam tactics and ways to avoid scams from the NC Attorney General’s Senior Scam Guide. 

  • If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is! Keep an eye out for very low risk, high reward type offers. There’s no such thing as a sure-fire investment! 

  • If there is a sense of urgency or pressure for immediate action to be taken. These tactics are used to invoke a sense of panic and need to act quickly without thinking. 

  • Request for unusual payment types (i.e. gift cards, prepaid debit cards or wired funds) - The government will never ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer.

  • Deals that must be secured with a credit card or bank account information.

  • Charities that send 100% of your donation directly to the victims

  • Be sure to know that the government will never call out of the blue and ask for sensitive personal information, like your Social Security number, medicare number, bank account information, etc. 

Tips to Prevent Getting Scammed

Learn how to protect yourself from potential scams and fraud. Click the ‘+’ to expand each section for more details on each tip. Read more from the source: Better Business Bureau.

  • Whether it’s over the phone, by email, on social media, or even at your front door.  Sensitive information includes your Social Security number, Medicare number, bank account information, credit card numbers, PINs and passwords.

  • If someone asks you to send a wire transfer, a prepaid debit card, or a gift card; those cannot be traced and act as cash -  do not do it. See the Federal Trade Commission's video on how scammers try to convince you to pay.

  • Delete the email if it looks unfamiliar or suspicious. Learn more about spotting suspicious emails and website links here.

    If a suspicious link is clicked or attachment downloaded, this may download malware onto your computer, smartphone, or tablet you're using. This allows scammers to steal your identity or personal information.

  • Scammers often create a sense of urgency to produce fear and panic to lure victims to act immediately without thinking. If this happens to you, don’t panic. Slow down and think about the situation.

  • Scammers are experts at concealing their identity and posing as a legitimate company or government official. Caller IDs can be easily faked and emails can appear to come from a legitimate source when they are not.

    If you aren’t sure if you’re being scammed, click here to visit the Better Business Bureau’s website and check the existing scams database. Check for spelling or grammatical errors. When in doubt, don’t answer the phone from an unknown caller or open a suspicious email.

  • Look for the “HTTPS” in the URL and a small lock icon on the address bar. Make certain you are on the site you intended to visit by checking out the company at BBB.org. 

  • Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card, or another non-traditional payment method. Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, overpayments, and handshake deals without a contract.

  • Signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry will reduce the number of unsolicited calls and text messages you’ll receive.

  • Use strong passwords, add security software on your computer, and set up multi-factor authentication when possible.

    Need help on how to do this? Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find technology assistance near you. 

Learn About the Common Types of Scams and What to Do

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Why are older adults more susceptible to scams?

According to the FBI, older adults frequently become targets due to their trusting and courteous nature. They often have financial savings, own homes, and maintain good credit.

Furthermore, older adults are less inclined to report scams or fraud, either because they are unsure how to, feel embarrassed about being deceived, or fear their families or caregivers might doubt their financial management skills.

This infographic shows how many complaints the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received about different types of elder fraud in 2023. (Source: FBI)

This infographic shows how much money Americans aged 60 and older lost to different types of fraud in 2023, based on incidents reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Figures are approximate. For the full 2023 report, visit ic3.gov. (Source: FBI)

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