Reporting elder fraud quickly protects the victim and helps stop scammers from harming others.
Who do I call to report elder fraud?
Start with the Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, staffed by case managers who guide you through next steps. File with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the central hub for fraud reports. For Medicare-related fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). Suspected identity theft goes to IdentityTheft.gov. If a crime is in progress or there is immediate danger, call 911. Filing in more than one place is normal and helps the right agency act. To talk it through first, call 1-800-MEDIGAP.
What information should I gather before reporting?
Good documentation speeds investigations. Collect the date and time of contact, the phone number or email used, the name or 'agency' the scammer claimed, what was said, and any amounts and payment methods involved (gift card numbers, wire confirmations, account details). Save voicemails, texts, emails, and receipts. Note whether any personal information, such as a Medicare or Social Security number, was shared. If money moved, record the financial institution and transaction IDs. Even partial details help. You do not need everything to file, so report promptly rather than waiting to be 'complete.'
What happens after I file a report?
Reports feed federal and state databases that investigators and prosecutors use to identify patterns and pursue cases. You may receive a reference number and follow-up questions. If you reported identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov, you will get a personalized recovery plan and letters to dispute fraudulent charges. Banks and card issuers can open disputes and may reverse some transactions. While not every case recovers funds, reporting strengthens enforcement and protects other seniors. Keep your reference numbers and copies of everything. For help understanding Medicare-specific next steps, call 1-800-MEDIGAP.