The Eldercare Locator and Disability Information & Access Line (DIAL) managed by Administration for Community Living (ACL) are trusted resources that help connect older adults and people with disabilities with resources in their community. Recently, Eldercare Locator has noted a significant increase in people reporting they have been targeted by scam phone calls. This includes reports of:

• Callers claiming to be from “Eldercare,” “Eldercare Locator,” “Social Security,” or “Medicare.”
• Callers asking for personal information such as someone’s Social Security number, banking information, or Medicare number — or demanding payment, threatening jail time, or fines.
• Harassment, including repeat calls from the same number.

Communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly can help get the word out about government imposter scams. Here are some important reminders to share directly from ACL:

1. The government will never call out of the blue and ask for a Social Security number.
2. The government will never ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer.
3. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended.

These general tips can also help everyone protect themselves:

• If you are ever suspicious about a call, hang up immediately. Find the organization’s contact information on your own (don’t use caller ID), and call or email them directly to discuss the situation.
• Never give out your Social Security number, banking information, or Medicare number to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
• Never pay someone you do not know well via gift card or wire transfer.
• Never click on an email link or attachment, unless you fully trust the sender.
• Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry.

Older adults who are targeted by scams and fraud can call the Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

In addition, scams and fraud targeting people of any age can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) or visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.

There are many great resources available to help raise awareness about avoiding scams:

• The Social Security Administration offers a short video on signs that someone is impersonating the Social Security Administration.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers resources on common scams that are specifically for consumers, caregivers, and service providers.
• FTC has short videos on Social Security and IRS impostor scams.
• FTC’s “Pass It On” page has resources on many other types of scams and you can sign up for FTC scam alerts to stay up to date on new threats.
• The ACL-funded Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program can help you learn about Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; detect potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and report concerns. Find your local SMP at smpresource.org or call 1-877-808-2468.
• ACL’s National Center on Elder Abuse has many resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including a handy one-page “The Phone Scam: What You Need to Know” flyer.

Connecting with Eldercare Locator and DIAL

The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service connecting older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Whether help is needed with services such as meals, home care, or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.

DIAL helps people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations and tests. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more. Call DIAL at 888-677-1199