Where scam victims can get support (free and legitimate)

1. 1

   AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline

   Free guidance and emotional support from trained specialists, including volunteers. They help you figure out if something is a scam, how to report it, and how to support a loved one. AARP says the helpline offers "guidance and support for your situation, not investigation or case recovery."

   • Phone: 1-877-908-3360
   • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern
   • Translation available on request
2. 2

   AARP Fraud Victim Support Group

   Free, confidential online sessions led by trained facilitators, with fraud education and time to share. You can join from a computer, tablet, or phone. You don't have to be the victim to attend: family, partners, and friends are welcome.

   • Sessions are scheduled each month and last about an hour
   • Register through the link on AARP's support group page
   • Attend as many sessions as you like
3. 3

   National Elder Fraud Hotline (Justice Department)

   For fraud against people 60 and older. A case manager helps you report the crime and connects you with other resources, and stays your point of contact. Family members can call too.

   • Phone: 1-833-372-8311 (833-FRAUD-11)
   • Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern
   • English, Spanish, and other languages
4. 4

   Eldercare Locator

   A public service of the federal Administration for Community Living. Trained staff connect older adults and families with local services, including Area Agencies on Aging.

   • Call or text: 1-800-677-1116
   • Chat online at eldercare.acl.gov
5. 5

   Adult Protective Services (APS)

   State programs that respond to financial exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities. Use APS when someone the person knows is involved, when money keeps going out, or when memory is a concern. Find your state's office through NAPSA.

6. 6

   IdentityTheft.gov

   The FTC's free site builds a personal recovery plan if a scammer has your Social Security number or other details, and creates letters you can send to companies.

   • Web: identitytheft.gov
   • Phone: 1-877-438-4338
7. 7

   988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

   If the loss has left you or someone you love feeling hopeless or thinking about self-harm, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's free, confidential, and open 24/7.

8. 8

   Your doctor, faith community, or a counselor

   Stress, poor sleep, and depression are common after fraud. A FINRA Foundation survey found half of fraud victims reported severe stress and more than a third reported depression. A trusted professional can help with that part of recovery.

How to tell real support from a second scam

Scam victims are often targeted again by people posing as helpers. The FTC says government agencies and legitimate organizations will never ask for money to help you get a refund. Use this quick test:

• Real support: Free, you contact them first, uses official websites ending in .gov or well-known organizations, and never promises your money back.
• A second scam: Contacts you first, charges a fee, promises recovery, asks for gift cards, crypto, or your bank login, or claims special access to the FBI.

Which one should you call first?

• Just found out, money may still be moving: Your bank or the payment company first. See the first 24 hours.
• Need help filing reports (60+): National Elder Fraud Hotline.
• Need to talk it through: AARP Fraud Watch Helpline.
• Want to hear from people who've been there: AARP Fraud Victim Support Group.
• Worried about an older parent's safety or repeat losses: APS, or the Eldercare Locator to find local help.
• Personal details exposed: IdentityTheft.gov.

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For family members

Watching a parent go through this is hard, and you may feel anger, guilt, or helplessness. AARP's support groups and helpline welcome family members, not only victims. If you're trying to help your mom or dad cope, read how to help a parent recover emotionally.

Questions people ask