Senior Fraud & Scam Reporting in Massachusetts
Older adults nationwide lose over $3 billion each year to fraud, according to FTC Consumer Sentinel data. If you or a loved one in Massachusetts has been targeted or victimized, quick reporting maximizes the chances of investigation, financial recovery, and preventing others from being harmed. Here's exactly who to call in Massachusetts.
Primary Massachusetts Numbers
File complaints about consumer fraud, tax preparers, unlicensed contractors, and financial services in Massachusetts.
Report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation — especially by family, caregivers, or others in positions of trust.
Report Medicare fraud and get free, non-commissioned help understanding Medicare, Medigap, and Part D. Different from Medicare brokers who earn commissions.
Step-by-Step: How to Report Fraud in Massachusetts
- 1.Stop the loss
Freeze credit cards or bank accounts if compromised. Call the bank/card issuer's fraud line (on the back of the card). Change online passwords.
- 2.File with the Federal Trade Commission
Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC shares reports with 3,000+ law enforcement partners including the Massachusetts Attorney General's office.
- 3.File with the Massachusetts Attorney General
Direct link: www.mass.gov. The state AG has more authority to prosecute local scammers than federal agencies do.
- 4.File a police report
For any theft over $500 or ongoing threat, file a report with local police in Massachusetts. This creates a legal record that supports insurance claims, tax casualty deductions, and identity restoration.
- 5.If elder abuse or financial exploitation: call APS
Call Massachusetts APS at 1-800-922-2275. APS investigates cases where a senior is being exploited by family, a caregiver, financial advisor, or fiduciary.
- 6.If Medicare or insurance fraud: 1-800-MEDICARE
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or SHIP 1-800-243-4636. Medicare fraud and abuse cost the program tens of billions annually.
- 7.If identity theft: identitytheft.gov
The FTC's identity theft recovery site walks you through freezing credit, disputing fraudulent accounts, and creating an identity theft affidavit accepted by creditors and credit bureaus.
Key Federal Numbers
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 — routes you to local senior services
- Medicare Fraud: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- Social Security Fraud: 1-800-269-0271 (SSA OIG)
- IRS Impersonation: 1-800-366-4484 (TIGTA)
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
- FTC Consumer Response: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
- Identity Theft: identitytheft.gov
Financial Exploitation of Older Adults in Massachusetts
All 50 states have elder abuse laws that specifically cover financial exploitation of older adults — meaning caregivers, family members, financial advisors, or fiduciaries who use their position to take advantage of a senior's assets. These laws typically:
- • Cover people age 60 or 65+ depending on the state (sometimes disabled adults of any age)
- • Include mandated reporter laws — some professionals (bankers, doctors, financial advisors) are legally required to report suspected exploitation
- • Provide criminal penalties up to and including felony charges for large-dollar exploitation
- • Allow civil recovery of stolen assets, sometimes with double or triple damages
If you suspect a family member or caregiver is exploiting a senior in Massachusetts, contact Adult Protective Services at 1-800-922-2275 or call the AG's office directly. APS reports are confidential.
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Common Questions — Reporting Fraud in Massachusetts
Can I recover money after I've been scammed?
Sometimes. Wire transfers and gift cards are usually gone within hours. Bank account transfers can occasionally be reversed if caught quickly. Credit card charges are the most protected — you generally have 60 days to dispute unauthorized charges. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately, then file the reports above.
Is it worth reporting if I lost only a small amount?
Yes. Even small losses matter — reports build patterns that let the FTC and state AGs identify large scammer networks. Reporting also creates a legal paper trail if the scam recurs.
What if the scammer is overseas?
Most modern scams targeting US seniors (romance scams, pig butchering, tech support) originate overseas. US law enforcement has limited direct reach, but the FBI's IC3 (ic3.gov) is the right channel. Recovery is unlikely for overseas transfers, so prevention matters more than pursuit.
Can I sue the scammer in Massachusetts?
In theory, yes. In practice, most scammers are anonymous, offshore, or judgment-proof. Suing rarely produces recovery. Focus on stopping further loss and reporting. If a US-based advisor, caregiver, or business exploited you, civil suits are often more viable — consult a Massachusetts elder-law attorney.
Should family members be told about a scam I fell for?
Shame keeps many victims silent, which is what scammers count on. Sharing with trusted family (or an APS caseworker) makes it more likely you'll get help unwinding the damage. Fraud victims often face repeat targeting — scammers share lists of "responsive" targets.