Safety Tips for Seniors
STOP BEFORE YOU PAY
If someone contacts you unexpectedly and tells you to buy gift cards, send cryptocurrency, wire money, withdraw cash, or move money to “protect” it, stop.
Hang up. Do not send money. Call a family member, your bank, or another person you trust using a phone number you already know.
I THINK I’M BEING SCAMMED
Use this section if someone is asking you for money, you received a suspicious call or message, or you are worried someone may be taking advantage of you or someone you love.
Start here: Connecticut Elder Justice Hotline
860-808-5555
For older Connecticut residents dealing with suspected scams, fraud, exploitation, abuse, benefits problems or other elder-justice concerns.
Call the Elder Justice Hotline or visit the website here
Not sure whether something is a scam?
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline
877-908-3360
You can actually talk to someone about what happened and get guidance on what to do next.
Call or visit their site here.
Learn about current scams
Federal Trade Commission
Information about:
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Government impersonation scams
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Grandparent/family emergency scams
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Tech-support scams
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Romance scams
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Gift-card scams
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Cryptocurrency scams
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Identity theft
Concerned someone is financially exploiting an older adult?
Connecticut Protective Services for the Elderly
1-888-385-4225
For suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation involving someone age 60+.
Money already sent online or through cryptocurrency?
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
Use this when money has already been lost through an online scam, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or other internet-based fraud.
Need legal help after a scam or consumer problem?
Consumer Law Project for Elders
1-800-296-1467
Free legal assistance for Connecticut residents age 60+ with consumer problems.
I NEED HELP WITH MEDICARE
Use this section if you have questions about Medicare, prescription coverage, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, enrollment or healthcare costs.
Start here: CHOICES
1-800-994-9422
Connecticut's free, unbiased Medicare counseling program.
CHOICES counselors can help with:
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Medicare Parts A and B
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Medicare Advantage
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Prescription drug plans
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Medigap
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Medicare Savings Programs
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Extra Help
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Comparing coverage options
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Enrollment questions
CHOICES counselors do not sell insurance. Their job is to help you understand your options.
Manage your Medicare benefits
Medicare.gov
1-800-MEDICARE
Use the official Medicare site for enrollment, coverage information, plan comparison and Medicare fraud reporting.
Visit Medicare.gov
Need help with Medicare AND other benefits?
Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut
203-785-8533
They can help people navigate Medicare along with other programs that may reduce healthcare, prescription, food or living costs.
