Scammers target busy families and older adults every day. These are the free resources I share to help spot scams, freeze your credit, report fraud and protect aging parents from phone and online scams. #scamalert #fraudprevention #identitytheft #sen...
FTC guide to the latest scams and how to avoid them. Sign up for their alerts and share them with your parents.
Scams
Report scams and fraud to the FTC. Your report helps them track scammers and warn others.
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
IdentityTheft.gov builds a personal recovery plan if your identity is stolen. It walks you through each step and creates letters for you.
IdentityTheft.gov
Check your credit reports for free to catch fraud early. Look for accounts or addresses you don't recognize.
Annual Credit Report
Freeze your credit with Equifax for free. Do all three bureaus for full protection, especially for older parents.
Security Freeze | Freeze or Unfreeze Your Credit
Freeze your credit with Experian for free. Save your PIN or login somewhere safe so you can unfreeze later.
Freeze or Unfreeze Your Credit File for Free
Freeze your credit with TransUnion for free. It stops scammers from opening new accounts in your name, and you can unfreeze anytime.
Credit Freeze
Add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry to cut down on sales calls. Any call that ignores it is a red flag.
National Do Not Call Registry
AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline: 877-908-3360. Free for everyone, not just members, and great for parents who get suspicious calls.
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
Report internet crimes to the FBI through IC3. Use it for online scams, hacked accounts and fake investment sites.
Home Page - Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Texas Attorney General consumer protection and complaints. File here if a Texas business scams you.
Consumer Protection | Office of the Attorney General
Social Security scam alerts. SSA will never threaten you, demand gift cards or ask you to pay over the phone.
Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams
USA.gov guide to where to report every type of scam, from mail fraud to fake charities. A handy one-stop page.
Learn where to report a scam | USAGov
BBB Scam Tracker to look up and report scams in your area. Check it before paying a new company you found online.
Find and Report a Scam | Better Business Bureau
FTC consumer protection updates, tips and news. A trusted place to learn your rights as a consumer.
