This resource page is a Connecticut-specific navigation tool for seniors and caregivers to find help in the event of consumer fraud.
Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut (BBB®) is honored to have been appointed to the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut's Coordinating Council.
This coalition is an initiative of the State Department on Aging as part of its Elder Rights and Elder Abuse initiatives. Read more about the Coalition's Mission Statement below.
This web page is a portal for quick access to the departments or organizations that can help you in case of need, for everything from reporting physical to financial abuse and obtaining advice from state government departments, advocacy and other community groups.
Who to Contact for Help in CT
There are a number of places you can turn to if you or someone you love has been a victim of fraud or identity theft or if you are just looking to learn more about how to safeguard against them.
Most important: If there is immediate danger to yourself or someone you know, call 911 right away.
Connecticut Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General represents the State in enforcing laws designed to protect the public from deceptive or unfair practices in the marketplace. It also provides informal mediation of some consumer complaints. Consumers may call the Consumer Assistance Unit at (860) 808-5420 or file a consumer complaint online at portal.ct.gov/AG.
Connecticut Department of Banking
Contact the Department of Banking for complaints involving financial institutions, mortgage lending and other consumer credit matters, rental security deposits, securities products and business opportunity fraud. You can check up on an investment adviser and investment products on the agency’s website, which offers license verifications as well as tips on avoiding financial fraud and investment scams and managing your money wisely. Call: (800) 831-7225 or visit portal.ct.gov/DOB.
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
For complaints regarding a scam, unfair business practice or misleading advertisement, contact the Department of Consumer Protection. You can find complaint forms on the DCP website. You can also email the agency at dcp.complaints@ct.gov or call the complaint center: (800) 842-2649. The agency website can be used to verify a license/registration and to learn more about how to stay safe in the marketplace. You can access the main agency website at portal.ct.gov/DCP. Information on being a vigilant consumer is also available at portal.ct.gov/SmartConsumer
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
If you have a complaint about fraudulent activity involving a bank account or service, credit reporting, debt collection, among other areas, contact the CFPB to file a complaint. File online at: consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Connecticut Insurance Department
Contact the CT Insurance Department to file a complaint about an insurance product or salesperson or questions on insurance issue. The Department handles insurance-related disputes including health, auto & homeowner claims. Email at insurance@ct.gov or call (860) 297-3800. Visit portal.ct.gov/cid for more information.
FINRA Investor Education Foundation
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation provides critical information about how to avoid investment fraud, including allowing you to check to see if a broker or a particular investment advisor is registered. Access online at: saveandinvest.org.
FTC Consumer Sentinel Hotline
This is a toll free number you can call to file a complaint against a company if you feel you have been defrauded. Call toll-free: (877) 701-9595.
Fraud Watch Network
The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides you with access to information about identity theft, investment fraud and the latest scams. Access online at: aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, follow these steps: If you know you owe taxes or might owe, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040. IRS workers can help. If you know you don’t owe taxes, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at (800) 366-4484 or at www.tigta.gov. Identify theft issues, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490 to secure your tax account.
State Department on Aging - Senior Medicare Patrol
CT’s State Department on Aging administers the SMP program assisting Medicare beneficiaries with steps to recognize & report suspected fraud. If you suspect fraud on your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Part D Explanation of Benefits, contact the local SMP program at (800) 994-9422.
U.S. Attorney’s Office District of CT
Prosecutes all criminal and civil cases brought by Federal government & defends the U.S. when it is a party of a civil case. Three units, Fraud Watch Network works directly with the Financial Fraud & Public Corruption Unit includes securities, commodities & investor fraud, public corruption, bank fraud & embezzlement, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, health care fraud, bankruptcy fraud & Foreign Corrupt Practices Act U.S. Attorney's Office (203) 821-3700. DOJ/Elder Justice website www.justice.gov/elderjustice FBI (New Haven) (203)503-5000.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is one of America’s oldest federal law enforcement agencies with a long, proud & successful history of fighting criminals who attack the nation’s postal system and misuse it to defraud, endanger, or otherwise threaten the American public. This site has information to assist you. postalinspectors.uspis.gov. Their consumer hotline number is (877) 876-2455.
Coalition Mission Statement:
To communicate and collaborate with public and private stakeholders that are addressing elder justice issues in Connecticut in order to prevent elder abuse and protect the rights and promote independence, security and well- being of vulnerable elders.
Objectives:
- Develop more cohesive and collaborative initiatives to raise awareness and educate people of all ages about elder justice /elder abuse.
- Increase statewide collaboration and development of potential solutions to prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and address other elder justice issues.
- Expand network to include organizations, state and community agencies, law enforcement, academia, and medical providers to work together as a public /private coalition.
- Promote the rights and autonomy of older people and those with disabilities in Connecticut.
- The Consumer Fraud Workgroup set as its mission to develop "A collaborative approach to helping consumers spot and prevent consumer fraud."
The Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticticut's Coordinating Council is made up of individuals representing more than 15 organizations appointed by the Commissioner on the Department of Aging.