Additional Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers
Below is a list of various agencies and resources that can assist older adults and caregivers who are dealing with fraud or elder abuse. Always ask BBB before doing business with those you don't know and report scams to BBB's Scam Tracker℠.
Resources to Help Stop Junk Mail and Telemarketing
To help curb junk mail received in the US, contact the Direct Marketing Association at 212-790-1500 or visit their website.
To opt out of junk mail that's received in Canada, review these resources from Canada Post.
US residents can Opt-Out of Credit Card & Insurance offers at optoutprescreen.com or by calling 888-567-8688.
US residents can register a phone number online with the National Do Not Call Registry, or call 888-382-1222, to help curb telemarketing calls.
Canada residents can do the same by visiting Canada's National Do Not Call Registry website or by calling 866-580-3625.
Resources for US Residents Experiencing Fraud
Consumers can contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or by email. Visit their website for ID Theft or Debt Collection resources.
Report Social Security Fraud to the Social Security Administration at 800-269-0271.
The US Senate Special Committee on Aging has resources for older adults and can be reached at 202-224-5364 or on their website.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has internet crime and fraud reporting resources online. Find your local field office or submit a tip online.
The Identity Theft Resource Center has resources for those experiencing ID theft. Contact their office at 888-400-5530 or by email.
Report scams to BBB using BBB's Scam Tracker℠.
Resources for Canadian Residents Experiencing Fraud
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be reached at 888-495-8501 or on their website.
Government of Canada Programs and Services for Seniors is a great resource for older adults experiencing fraud. Learn more on their website or call 800-O-CANADA (800-622-6232).
Credit Reporting and Free Credit Check Resources
There are three major credit reporting agencies in the US (Equifax, Experian and Transunion), and two in Canada (Equifax and Transunion). These agencies provide free credit resources and report on their websites.
Equifax: Visit their website or call 1-888-548-7878.
Experian: Visit their website or call 1-888-397-3742.
Transunion: Visit their website or call 1-800-916-8800.
Each person is entitled to one free copy of their credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Outside of the major credit reporting agencies, annualcreditreport.com is the only authorized website for free credit reports. Consumers can also call 1-877-322-8228. You will need to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.
How to Report Abuse Against Older Adults
For residents in the US, the National Center on Elder Abuse Listing of State Elder Abuse Hotlines is a great place to start!
For residents In Canada, there are provincial and territorial resources on elder abuse.