There is no single national elder abuse number, but these trusted hotlines connect you to the right help for every situation.
Which elder abuse hotline should I call?
The right number depends on the situation. For immediate danger or a crime in progress, call 911. To report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a senior living in the community, call the federal Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. ET), which routes you to your state's Adult Protective Services. For financial fraud or scams against anyone 60 or older, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11. For abuse inside a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact your state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman, reachable through the Eldercare Locator.
Key national elder abuse and fraud numbers
Save these trusted lines: 911 for emergencies; Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to reach Adult Protective Services, ombudsmen, and senior services nationwide; National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), a free Department of Justice service that assigns a case manager and supports English, Spanish, and other languages; and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov for online scams. Beware of scammers impersonating these hotlines; legitimate agencies never demand payment or sensitive information by phone. Many state APS lines also operate 24 hours a day.
Not sure which number to call?
Elder abuse situations can be confusing, especially in a crisis. If you are not certain whether to call Adult Protective Services, the fraud hotline, an ombudsman, or the police, you do not have to figure it out alone. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427), the trusted toll-free line for senior needs in America, and we will help point you toward the right hotline or agency for your situation. For any immediate danger, always call 911 first, then follow up with the appropriate reporting line so the abuse is documented and investigated.