Comprehensive Fraud Protection Resources
Protection from digital fraud and scams
Access expert guides, trusted helplines, and educational tools specifically designed to help seniors navigate today’s digital world safely. From essential safety tips to specialized support services, we’ve gathered the most reliable resources to protect you and your family from fraud.
Essential Cybersafe Tips
Simple rules to protect yourself online
- Be suspicious of unexpected text messages, especially if they seem urgent
- Be wary of messages from strange phone numbers you don't recognize
- Never share personal or financial information in text messages
- Use official contact information from company websites
- Always stop and think before you click!
- Block and report suspicious messages as spam
- If you receive a text from an unknown number, simply don't answer
- It's not rude to protect yourself!
Essential Resources
Practical Self‑Help Guides & Online Tips
- All Seniors Foundation offers a thorough, updated (2025) guide on scams to watch for—like phishing, government impersonators, romance cons—and practical advice on passwords, two‑factor authentication, device safety, and even digital estate planning: https://allseniors.org/articles/a-guide-to-online-safety-for-seniors/
- Seniors Against Scams provides scam prevention guides, news updates, instructional tips, and downloads (e.g. for Medicare, tech support, grandkids scams), plus clear “what to do if you think you’re being scammed” advice: https://www.seniorsagainstscams.org/scam-prevention-resources
- InMyArea.com offers printable, large‑print cheat‑sheets for seniors—covering strong passwords, spotting phishing emails, and basic tech‑support tips—to keep near the computer: https://www.inmyarea.com/resources/online-cybersecurity-safety-guides-seniors
Helplines & Support Networks
- The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides a free helpline (877‑908‑3360) staffed by trained specialists who offer support, counseling, and referrals for potential fraud victims.
- Eldercare Locator, via USAging, connects seniors to local fraud‑reporting agencies, and offers resources like Protect Your Wallet guide: https://www.usaging.org/h4h2024resources
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)—a U.S. federally funded volunteer network—educates seniors to detect and report Medicare or Medicaid fraud; it’s been active for years and has recovered significant funds.
Educational Programs & Community Workshops
- Senior Strong highlights local workshops/seminars and online training programs (interactive webinars, virtual simulations, self‑paced courses, community forums) to help seniors learn about fraud in a safe, collaborative environment: https://www.seniorstrong.org/community-resources-for-senior-fraud-protection-training/
- DART Academy (an e‑learning platform) empowers older adults through realistic scam‑scenario learning and detective-style engagement.
- Academic Innovation: A new 2025 study developed a cybersafety card game that helps seniors learn through play about scams, password safety, privacy, and responding to cyber threats—and participants found it engaging and useful.
Tech Support & Digital Literacy Services
- AARP’s Senior Planet, Cyber‑Seniors, Quincy, Candoo, and The Smarter Service provide tailored tech‑support and education—both virtually and in-person—helping seniors build digital confidence and avoid scams: https://www.wired.com/story/the-best-tech-support-services-for-seniors
Financial Tools for Protection
- True Link offers a specially designed Visa card and platform for seniors: it includes fraud‑detection, customizable spending limits, blocks on telemarketer/charity calls, and alerts—ideal for reducing financial abuse.
Staying Informed & Reporting Scams
- Reports from 2023–2024 show senior scam losses rose significantly (e.g., $3.4B in 2023; $4.8B in 2024), with investment, romance, and tech‑support cons particularly prevalent. Experts recommend verifying contacts, using social support, and consulting professionals.
- Seniors Against Scams lists practical actions: pause before reacting, verify identities, report via FTC, IC3, BBB, USPS, state AGs, Social Security and Medicare hotlines: https://www.seniorsagainstscams.org/scam-prevention-resources