YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Fortunately, several organizations can help if a senior citizen is exploited financially:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works to protect all consumers and is an incredible resource.
- If you or your loved one have been scammed, you can report it here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
- If you would like specific advice on what to do if you were scammed, click here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
- If you would like to stay informed on the latest scams, click here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams
- If you would like to reduce telemarketing calls, you can add your name to the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry. Click here: https://www.donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) works with older adults on legal issues resulting from financial exploitation.
- If you would like consultation with an elder focused attorney, click here: https://www.naela.org/Web/ConsumerResources/ImportTemp/Consumer_Resources_Landing_New.aspx?hkey=1e07503a-588d-4e61-98c0-a975d05fb4a6

- The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) works to protect older adults and adults with disabilities.
  - If you would like to learn more about financial exploitation, click here: https://www.napsa-now.org/financial-exploitation/
  - To get help from a local area organization, click here and select the state you live in: https://www.napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area/

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) works to ensure fair treatment by banks, lenders and other financial institutions.
- If you want to submit a complaint about a company, the CFPB will work to get a response from that company on your behalf. Call 855-411-2372 or click here for details: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_older-americans-not-alone-to-stop-financial-abuse_2021-05.pdf

- The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps combat fraud against older Americans and provides services to victims.
  - If you or someone you know is the victim of elder fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 or click here: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment.
- If you suspect elder abuse of any kind, including financial exploitation, click here: https://ncea.acl.gov/Suspect-Abuse.aspx
- If you would like a state-by-state directory of resources, click here: https://ncea.acl.gov/Resources/State.aspx#Illinois

Stay Informed!