senior couple sitting on couch looking at letter - Protecting Nebraska's Seniors

Protecting Nebraska’s Seniors

Scam artists across the country and around the world attempt to defraud Nebraskans, and especially seniors, every day. Elder fraud and abuse is more than a frustration and nuisance. It is a real threat that is impacting not only quality but also length of life. For the sake of families and our collective future, we must fight back. Education is the best weapon we have in this battle. This page includes information on how to recognize, stop, and avoid potential loss if you or someone you know is a target of fraud. Click the links below to find out more information on some of the most common scams, and scroll down to see tips to help you from becoming a victim of fraud, phone numbers to call for additional assistance, and websites that offer further information. Should you experience uncertainty, have feelings of fear or concern, or just wish to pose a question, please call either our Consumer Protection Division Mediation Center Hotline or Senior Outreach Hotline and let us be of service. We are here to protect and help you.

 

Recognize the Signs and Take Action! 

  • Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Be direct. Don’t be afraid to hang up the phone or shut the door on unwanted solicitations. Everyone, regardless of age, sex, education level, financial situation or where they live, is a potential victim. Seniors may be targeted more because they are perceived by scam artists to have more free time or may be more trusting.
  • Never pay money up front to collect a prize.
  • Be aware that wiring money is just like sending cash. Once you send it, it is gone for good.
  • Review financial statements regularly.
  • Don't carry your social security card, birth certificate or passport in your purse or wallet, except when absolutely necessary.
  • Ask a neighbor, family member, friend, banker, or trusted advisor if you have doubts about an offer or business.
  • Call law enforcement immediately if you think you have been victimized. Never accept the help of someone who calls you and offers to help recover the losses in a scam “for a small fee.” Odds are it is the same scam artist coming back for more.
  • Order a credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus through www.annualcreditreport.com.
  • Scammers may also target seniors for identity theft. You can learn more about that here.To help ward off identity theft, be sure to protect your personal information by shredding the following:
    • Receipts,
    • Credit cards and other offers of credit,
    • Credit card statements,
    • Mailing labels from magazines,
    • Copies of credit applications,
    • Insurance forms,
    • Bank checks and statements and expired charge cards, and
    • Any other item that might have account numbers, physicians’ statements, customer numbers or membership numbers.
 

 

Important Phone Numbers

  • Nebraska Attorney General’s Office: 402-471-2682
  • Nebraska Attorney General’s Senior Hotline: 888-287-0778
  • Consumer Affairs Response Team: 800-727-6432
  • Adult Protective Services: 800-652-1999
  • Better Business Bureau: 800-649-6814
  • Contractor Registration Certificates: 402-471-2239
  • Federal Communications Commission: 888-225-5322
  • Federal Trade Commission: 877-382-4357
  • Federal Trade Commission - Opt Out: 888-567-8688
  • Free Credit Report: 877-322-8228
  • National Do Not Call Registry: 888-382-1222
  • Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): 800-234-7119
  • State Health Insurance Information Program: 800-234-7119
  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service: 877-876-2455

 

Important Website and Email Addresses