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If you believe you are being scammed right now — stop all contact immediately.
Our team can help you verify legitimacy and connect you with the right authorities. You are not alone.
📞 (646) 701-3873
Know the Threats
Common Scams Targeting Seniors
Scammers specifically target older adults and home care clients. Learn the most common tactics so you can recognize them before it is too late.
Stay Alert
Universal Warning Signs
Regardless of the scam type, these red flags apply almost universally. If you notice any of these — pause, breathe, and call someone you trust.
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Urgent Pressure to Act Now
Legitimate organizations never demand immediate action. Pressure to decide or pay right now — or keep something secret — is always a scam.
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Unusual Payment Methods
Any request for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards is an immediate red flag. Real agencies never ask for this.
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Requests for Personal Information
Never share your Social Security number, Medicare ID, bank account, or passwords over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified number.
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"Don't Tell Anyone"
Scammers isolate victims by asking them to keep things secret. If someone tells you not to tell your family or caregiver — that is a serious warning sign.
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Too Good to Be True
Unexpected windfalls, miracle cures, or impossible deals almost always are. Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is.
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Fear, Threats, or Guilt
Scammers use emotional manipulation — threatening arrest, claiming a family member is in danger, or making you feel guilty. Real organizations never do this.
Stay Safe
How to Protect Yourself
Simple, practical steps that can help you and your loved ones stay safe from fraud and exploitation.
01
Always Verify Before You Act
If someone calls claiming to be from an agency, Medicare, or your care provider — hang up and call that organization back using an official number from their website.
✅ Hang up. Look up the number. Call back yourself.
02
Never Pay With Gift Cards or Wire Transfers
No legitimate government agency, business, or care provider will ever ask you to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Ever.
✅ If asked for gift card payment — it is always a scam.
03
Tell a Trusted Person
Always tell a family member, friend, or caregiver before making large financial decisions or sharing personal information. A second opinion is one of the best defenses.
✅ Create a "phone a friend" rule before any major decision.
04
Guard Your Personal Information
Your Social Security number, Medicare ID, bank account numbers, and passwords are valuable. Never share them unless you initiated contact with a verified organization.
✅ When in doubt — don't give it out.
05
Use Caller ID & Screen Calls
Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave messages. If it is important, they will call back or leave a message you can verify before responding.
✅ Register at donotcall.gov
06
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Check your bank statements, Medicare Summary Notices, and credit card bills regularly for unfamiliar charges. Catching issues early limits the damage.
✅ Set bank alerts for any transaction over $50.
Learning Hub — Free Virtual Classes
📧 Get Class Reminders
Free Classes for Seniors & Families
A new class every week covering technology, health, safety, and everyday life skills — designed especially for seniors and home care clients. Free for all Companion Services clients and their families.
Live This Week
How to Use Your Smartphone Like a Pro
A beginner-friendly walkthrough of your iPhone or Android — calls, texts, FaceTime, apps, and staying safe online, all at a comfortable pace.
📅 Every Thursday
🕐 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
💻 Virtual via Zoom
✅ Free for All Clients
🎓 Sign Up Free
📋 View Blog
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Smartphone Basics
📅 This Thursday
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Never Miss a Class
Sign up for class reminders and we'll send you the Zoom link before each session. Free for all Companion Services clients and families.
Report & Get Help
Report a Scam & Find Help
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, report it immediately. These organizations can help investigate and protect others.
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FTC Report Fraud
The Federal Trade Commission's official fraud reporting portal. Report scams targeting you or a loved one.
reportfraud.ftc.gov ↗ 🛡️Social Security Fraud
Report Social Security impersonation scams or suspicious activity related to your SSA benefits.
1-800-269-0271 ↗ 💊Medicare Fraud Hotline
Report Medicare fraud, abuse, or waste. HHS Office of Inspector General investigates healthcare fraud.
1-800-HHS-TIPS ↗ 👴Eldercare Locator
A nationwide resource connecting seniors and caregivers to local services including elder fraud protection.
1-800-677-1116 ↗ 🔬CDC — Elder Abuse
The CDC provides resources on elder abuse prevention, including financial exploitation and fraud prevention.
cdc.gov ↗ 🌍World Health Organization
Global health guidance, including resources on protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.
who.int ↗
Family Resources
Trusted Guidance for Families
Clear, respectful guidance from respected organizations to help families navigate aging, caregiving, benefits, planning, dementia support, and local services.
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Medicare
Understanding Parts A, B, C, and D, plus plan comparison and counseling resources.
- → Medicare.gov official site ↗
- → Plan Finder ↗
- → SHIP free Medicare counseling ↗
- → Medicare Savings Programs ↗
Important: Medicare does not cover non-medical companion care.
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Medicaid — CT & NY
State-specific programs and eligibility tools for Connecticut and New York.
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Social Security / SSA
Retirement, disability, SSI, and online account access.
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Alzheimer's & Dementia
Support, education, and helplines for families facing memory changes.
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CDC & NIH Healthy Aging
Trusted public health guidance for safety, fall prevention, vaccines, and dementia data.
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Local CT & NY
Helpful regional agencies and caregiver support organizations near you.