Eldercare Scam Calls Attempting to Steal Personal Information and Payment

Important Reminders

• The government will never call out of the blue and ask for a Social Security number.
• The government will never ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer.
• Social Security numbers cannot be suspended.

These general tips can also help everyone protect themselves:

• If you are ever suspicious about a call, hang up immediately. Find the organization’s contact information on your own (don’t use caller ID), and call or email them directly to discuss the situation.
• Never give out your Social Security number, banking information, or Medicare number to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
• Never pay someone you do not know well via gift card or wire transfer.
• Never click on an email link or attachment, unless you fully trust the sender.
• Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry.

Older adults who are targeted by scams and fraud can call the Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

In addition, scams and fraud targeting people of any age can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) or visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.

There are many great resources available to help raise awareness about avoiding scams:

• The Social Security Administration offers a short video on signs that someone is impersonating the Social Security Administration.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers resources on common scams that are specifically for consumers, caregivers, and service providers.
• FTC has short videos on Social Security and IRS impostor scams.
• FTC’s “Pass It On” page has resources on many other types of scams and you can sign up for FTC scam alerts to stay up to date on new threats.
• The ACL-funded 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.
• ACL’s National Center on Elder Abuse has many resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including a handy one-page “The Phone Scam: What You Need to Know” flyer.

Connecting with Eldercare Locator and DIAL

The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service connecting older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Whether help is needed with services such as meals, home care, or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.

DIAL helps people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations and tests. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more. Call DIAL at 888-677-1199.