• Scammers contact elderly people by phone and claim that the victim’s Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity and asks the victim to confirm their number or risk the possibility that the number will be seized.

What do I do if my elderly parent is being scammed?

And if your father or mother gets a suspicious call, call the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s Fraud Hotline (855-303-9470) and notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “ The FBI reminds seniors and their caregivers to be vigilant.

How do I report an elderly scammer?

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud , contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. You are also encouraged to keep original documentation, emails, faxes, and logs of all communications.

Can you go to jail for someone scamming you?

Depending on the state in which you live and the crime you ‘re charged with, fraud can be either a felony or misdemeanor offense. Incarceration. Fraud convictions bring with them the possibility of a jail or prison sentence. Federal charges can lead to 10 years or more in federal prison .

What do you do when a family member is scammed?

You may have to reach out to law enforcement. Start by reporting the scam to the Federal Trade Commission. A police report may be necessary to prevent culpability if the scammer steals their identity.

Who commits the most elder abuse?

Who are the abusers of older adults? Abusers are both women and men. In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses.

How can I protect my elderly parents money?

10 tips to protect your aging parents ‘ assets Talk to your loved one often and as soon as possible about their wishes for the future and your desire to help. Block scammers from calling. Sign your parents up for free credit reports. Help set up automatic payments.

What is it called when you take advantage of an elderly person?

Exploitation refers to the act or process of taking advantage of an elderly person by another person or caretaker whether for monetary, personal or other benefit , gain or profit.

How do I know if I have been scammed?

Seven signs you ‘ re being scammed A company is contacting you out of the blue. You ‘ ve been rejected for credit, but you ‘ ve got a good credit history. You ‘ re being rushed. Your bank is asking you for your PIN number personal information. The letter or email you have received is full of dodgy spelling and bad grammar.

How can we protect the elderly from financial abuse?

Become a “trusted contact” to monitor bank account and brokerage activity. Sign up for a service such as EverSafe to track financial activity and notify an advocate of unusual withdrawals or spending. Set up direct deposit for checks so others don’t have to cash them.

Can you press charges for getting scammed?

To file a complaint, just go to ftc.gov/complaint, and answer the questions. Or call That’s all there is to it. If you ‘ve been ripped off or scammed , complain to the Federal Trade Commission. It can help put the bad guys out of business.

Is scamming a felony?

Online Fraud, Hacking and Phishing in California Most online fraud or cyber crimes are known as “wobblers;” they may be punished as either misdemeanors or felonies . The term of imprisonment may be served in county jail for up to three years.

How do you handle a scammer?

What to do now Stop all contact with the scammer . Do not make any more payments. Contact the bank or service you sent money through. Assess your security at home and online. Equip yourself to recognise scams . Talk about what happened. Netsafe. Ministry of Justice.

Who can help me if I have been scammed?

Report a Scam to the FTC If you were scammed , report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.