Unfortunately, there are many scams that specifically target seniors. Click on the links below for common scams and advice on how to prevent yourself or a loved one from falling for them:

Is someone using your personal or financial information to make purchases, get benefits, file taxes, or commit fraud? That is Identity Theft.  Identity theft can make it harder for you to get credit, a job, a place to live, or utilities. 

Ways to protect your identity

Protect your personal information.

At home

  • Keep financial records, Social Security, and Medicare cards in a safe place
  • Shred papers that have your personal or medical information
  • Take mail out of your mailbox as soon as possible

As you do business

  • Refrain from openly sharing your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Do not give any of your personal info to someone who randomly calls, e-mails, or texts you

On the computer

  • Use passwords that are not easy to guess. See our Cybersecurity page for tips on creating/managing passwords
  • Do NOT respond to emails or other messages that ask for personal info
  • Do NOT use personal information on a computer in a public place, like a library, hotel, or coffee shop
  • Be cautious about what information you post on social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

How will you know if someone steals your identity?

Read your bills and account statements. Watch for:

  • Things you did not buy
  • Withdrawals you did not make
  • A change of your address that you did not expect/request
  • You're no longer receiving bills you're expecting

Look at medical statements.

  • You might see charges you do not recognize.

Get your credit report.

You get one free credit report every year from each credit reporting company. To order your annual credit report:

  1. Call Annual Credit Report at 1-877-322-8228
  2. Answer questions from the recorded system.
  3. You have to give your address, Social Security Number (SSN), and birth date.
  4. Choose to only show the last four numbers of your Social Security number. It's safer than showing the full SSN on your report.
  5. Choose which credit reporting company you want a report from. (You get one report free from each company every year.)
  6. The company mails your report to you. It should arrive two to three weeks after you call.
  7. Read your credit report carefully. Look for mistakes or accounts you do not recognize — this could mean someone stole your identity.

If you believe you are a victim of Identity Theft, immediately contact the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1 (877) 438-4338 to report it and get a personal recovery plan. Acting quickly can help reduce the damage identity theft can cause.

Fraud Hotline Advocate - (916) 645-7226

The Fraud Hotline Advocate can help the elder determine whether or not the phone call, letter or email is a scam, and help anyone who falls victim to a scam navigate the reporting process.

Elder abuse includes abuse of both elders and dependent adults. Abuse can take the form of physical, emotional, financial, and neglect.

Physical Abuse includes:

  • Physical assault
  • Battery
  • Sexual assault
  • Unreasonable physical restraint
  • Deprivation of food or water
  • Inappropriate use of physical or chemical restraint

Emotional Abuse includes:

  • Verbal assaults, threats, and intimidation
  • Subjection to fear, isolation, or emotional stress
  • Withholding emotional support
  • Confinement

Financial Abuse includes:

  • Any theft or embezzlement of money or any other property from an elder
  • Stealing money
  • Intercepting cash or checks
  • Fraudulently convincing an elder to hand over money
  • Telemarketing fraud
  • Identity theft
  • Predatory lending
  • Home improvement scams

Neglect includes:

  • Failure to aid with personal hygiene
  • Failure to provide clothing and shelter
  • Failure to provide medical care
  • Failure to protect from health or safety hazards
  • Failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration
  • Allowing self-neglect

Why are elders targets of abuse?

  • Accessible – They're more likely to be home
  • Finances – They may have already built up their retirement/savings accounts
  • Dependent – They could need others to handle housework or finances
  • Mindset – They are part of a generation more open to trusting others 
  • Less technological knowledge – It could be easier for them to accept "tech support"
  • Memory issues – Scammers may try to start off their message with "As we discussed earlier..."
  • Less likely to report – While there is nothing be embarrassed of, some may choose not to report

What are the warning signs?

Here are the common signs of abuse:

  • Uncombed or matted hair
  • Unkempt or dirty appearance
  • Untreated medical conditions
  • Malnourishment or dehydration
  • Unexplained bruises or welts
  • Burns caused by scalding water, cigarettes, or ropes
  • Any injury that reflects the shape of an object such as a belt, cord, or hand
  • Withdrawn attitude
  • Abnormal confusion or forgetfulness
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Fear of talking openly
  • Secretiveness

If you believe or suspect elder abuse, report it.

Reports should be made to the local Adult Protective Services Agency and local law enforcement.

Know that the reporting party is protected from both civil and criminal liability.

Senior Advocates and Resources

Adult Protective Services (APS) - 101 Cirby Hills Dr., Roseville - (916) 787-8860 - Toll Free: (888) 886-5401

APS receives reports of abuse and neglect of elderly and dependent adults who are residing in their homes to provide investigation and evaluation of their need for protection and/or supportive services. APS provides and/or coordinates support services for emergency situations.

Seniors First - 12183 Locksley Ln, Ste 306, Auburn - (530) 492-5404

Seniors First exists to provide programs, services and long-term support to Placer County seniors so that they may maintain their independence as long as possible.

Senior Peer Counseling Program - (530) 883-8466

Senior Peer Counseling is a free, voluntary, peer support, in-home program for Placer County residents aged 55 years or better, who are dealing with age-related adjustment issues.

Stand Up Placer - 300 Derek Placer, Roseville - Phone: (916) 773-7273 

Stand Up Placer is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to empowering Placer County survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to heal from the trauma and create new lives of strength and self-sufficiency.

Fraud Hotline Advocate - (916) 645-7226

The Fraud Hotline Advocate can help the elder determine whether or not the phone call, letter or email is a scam, and help anyone who falls victim to a scam navigate the reporting process.

Long Term Care Ombudsman - (916) 376-8910   Emergency: (800) 231-4024

The Long Term Care Ombudsman is responsible for representing the residents at long-term care facility, nursing home, residential care facility or assisted living facilities these facilities by investigating and resolving complaints.