Fraud Assistance Resources

Everyday, scammers target Arizonans in an attempt to take their hard-earned savings. They find new ways to appeal to us through emotional connections, confusion, or fake offers that you cannot pass up. Senior citizens are quickly becoming the largest group of people to fall victim to these scams and schemes.

Below you will find a list of resources and information about the most common scams to educate you about and protect you from these scams.

Examples

Charity Scams:

Scammers want to play off your generosity by encouraging you to donate to their "charity." Donations are often solicited for veterans or research organizations. The easiest way to protect yourself from charity scams is to request more information and never make the donation over the phone.

Phishing/Vishing Scams: 

This scam is one of the most popular and one you could easily fall victim to in the future. Victims receive calls, emails, or texts from their bank telling them to contact customer service to fix a problem. Similar scams hit Arizonans every year, prompting the Attorney General to issue warnings. After calling or following the link, the scammer will ask for account numbers and personal information and then use the information to access accounts. Protect yourself by not responding to requests for person or financial information and contacting your financial institution on your own.

IRS Phone Scams: 

Around tax time it is common to hear about criminals impersonating IRS agents and threatening lawsuits, arrest, and more if the victim does not pay them over the phone. If you receive a call that alleges that you owe money to the IRS, simply hang up. You will never receive a phone call or email as an initial communication from the IRS.

Medicare Scams: 

Many scams involve a criminal posing as a government agent. In this scam the victim is contacted by someone claiming to work for Medicare and offering to provide additional benefits or funds after you give them your account information. It may sound convincing, but it is important to remember that Medicare will never ask you for bank information. You should always avoid giving personal information over the phone, Internet, or to someone who approaches your home uninvited. Only give out personal information to doctors or providers who are approved by Medicare. You can call 800-633-4227 to see if a provider is approved.

VA Home Loan Refinancing Scams:

With 3 million active VA loans nationwide, scammers often try to prey on the brave men and women who have fought to defend our freedoms. Veterans with a VA home loan are targeted with unsolicited offers to refinance their mortgages. These offers appear to be official, but they are fake. If you are considering a new VA home loan, refinancing through a VA home loan, or have questions about an existing VA home loan, the Department of Veterans Affairs has specialists available Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central. Their phone number is (877) 827 – 3702.

Resources

Arizona Attorney General: file a consumer complaint and view resources available to Arizonans

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): a non-investigative federal agency that collects information about ongoing scams to share with law enforcement.

FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center: report Internet fraud, file a complaint, or read the latest fraud warnings.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service: report ID theft that involves the U.S. mail.

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Admin on Aging: information on elder services and assistance in your area.

Social Security Administration: report theft or fraudulent use of your Social Security Number.

National Do Not Call Registry: register your phone number to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls.

  • Hotline: (888) 382-1222
  • Sign up online: https://www.donotcall.gov/