Report Fraud, Scams & File Complaints
If you have fallen victim to scams or fraud, we encourage you to file a report with federal and state agencies. Also, contact law enforcement offices in your local area to report the crime. Filing a report helps agencies educate and equip consumers with the information they need to help prevent falling victim to fraud and scams.
Click on a topic below to learn more.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the federal government's website where you can report fraud, scams, and bad business practices.
What To Do if You Were Scammed (FTC Article) July 2022
National Elder Fraud Hotline
The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, provides services to all adults ages 60 and older, who may be victims of financial fraud. The hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. While the hotline does not serve in an investigatory capacity, case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, and provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, or connect callers directly with the appropriate agency.
833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides information about protecting older adults from fraud and financial exploitation. The CFPB also handles issues related to debt collection, credit card companies, credit reporting, banking and might be able to help you resolve your issue.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center, which receives and reviews internet-related complaints. www.ic3.gov
The Florida Office of Attorney General
The Florida Attorney General's Office of Citizen Services operates the Attorney General’s Fraud Hotline at (850) 414-3990 or toll-free within Florida (866) 966-7226. The Hotline serves as the initial point-of-contact for consumer complaints, Lemon Law complaints, Medicaid provider fraud complaints, and general inquiries.
The Department of Elder Affairs
Information regarding elder services and activities is available through the Department of Elder Affairs' Elder Helpline Information and Assistance service within each Florida County.
Elder Helpline – 1-800-963-5337
Legal help for Florida seniors (age 60 and older)
The Florida Senior Legal Helpline is a free and confidential statewide telephone advice and referral service available toll-free within Florida at (888) 895-7873 or online at https://bals.org/senior-legal-helpline.
Report abuse, neglect or exploitation
Elder Abuse Prevention Program - The Department of Elder Affairs works in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adult Protective Services and the Aging Network to protect disabled adults or elderly persons from further occurrences of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
- To report online – on the DCF website at https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/Adult/AdultForm.aspx
- To report by phone – call Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). Press 2 to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. This toll free number is available 24/7. TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-955-8771. To report via fax, please print and complete the DCF fax reporting form with details and fax to 1-800-914-0004.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state's clearinghouse for consumer complaints. You can submit a complaint with their agency by completing an online form or contact their department's consumer protection and information hotline by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).
Local Law Enforcement
Contact your local law enforcement office to file a report. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has a list of local sheriff’s offices and police department’s in the state of Florida. Browse the list for authorities in your area. Call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Seniors vs Crime
Seniors vs Crime is a special project of the Florida Attorney General. The Seniors vs Crime Project Senior Sleuths assist people involved in civil disputes with contractors and other businesses or individuals who may have defrauded or otherwise taken advantage of them financially. There is no charge for the services.
Contact Information:
1-800-203-3099