Last Updated on October 28, 2024
On October 22nd, the FBI gave a presentation on Elder Fraud, an increasingly insidious cause of money losses and angst for over-60-year-olds. Romance, investment and identity theft frauds using computers, phones and in-person contacts were featured. The presentation was taped and is available on Charlestown’s YouTube channel.
Here are the two handouts provided by the FBI: Learn How to Protect Your Finances and Resources for Victims of Frianncial Frauds.
Resources for Victims of Financial Frauds
Suicide Hotline for Immediate Assistance
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
Call or text 988
Tax Guidance
IRS – Taxpayer Advocate
Free assistance from a local Taxpayer Advocate
https://www.irs.gov/advocate/local-taxpayer-advocate
IRS – Offer in Compromise
Settle tax debt for less than what is owed. Pre-qualifier tool available
https://www.irs.gov/payments/offer-in-compromise
IRS – Help for Victims of Ponzi Investment Schemes
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/help-for-victims-of-ponzi-investment-schemes
IRS form 4684, for reporting Casualties and Thefts
www.irs.gov/Form4684
Guidance on Requesting a Credit Freeze and Identity Theft
What To Know About Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-credit-freezes-fraud-alerts
To place a credit freeze
Contact each of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/CreditBureauContacts
Federal Trade Commission – Identity Theft
To report identity theft and get a recovery plan
https://www.identitytheft.gov/
Identity Theft Resource Center
Non-profit organization with guidance on preventing identity theft and expert advisors available for calls and online chats with guidance on recovering your identity
https://www.idtheftcenter.org/
Support Groups and Helplines
Give an Hour
Offers virtual support groups, workshops, resources, and mental health counseling
https://giveanhour.org/financial-fraud/
Cybercrime Support NetworkA network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams. See also... READ MORE
Peer support program and resources for victims of romance scams.
The counselor-led sessions provide a safe virtual environment for individuals to work through the loss, embarrassment, and isolation that can accompany romance scams.
Free 10-week virtual program – 1 hour weekly sessions with licensed counselors.
https://fightcybercrime.org/programs/peer-support/
Victim ConnectConnect or Charlestown or Erickson Connect Network is the name for the local telephone and Wi-Fi system at Charlestown. READ MORE Resource Center
A weekday phone, chat, and text-based referral helpline
https://victimconnect.org/
AARP
Support group that meets online through AARP Fraud Watch Network™.
The VOA ReST (Resilience, Strength, and Time) program, a collaboration between AARP and Volunteers of America (VOA), offers free online facilitated emotional support sessions for fraud victims. You can attend as many sessions as you’d like, just register in advance online.
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/voa-rest-program/
Assistance on filing an IC3 Complaint
IC3.gov Public Service Announcement
What to include when filing an IC3
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2023/PSA230824
If you require assistance retrieving your transaction history.
Most cryptocurrency exchanges have guides on their websites, for example:
Coinbase: https://help.coinbase.com/en/commerce/managing-account/transaction-reporting
Crypto.com: https://help.crypto.com/en/articles/4837927-how-do-i-export-my-transaction-history-exchange
Kraken: https://support.kraken.com/hc/en-us/articles/208267878-How-to-export-your-account-history
Gemini: https://support.gemini.com/hc/en-us/articles/209113526-How-can-I-view-my-transaction-history-
General Information and Resources on Frauds
AARP
Resources available (not just for senior citizens)
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice
Guidance on online privacy, how to protect your devices from hackers and threats, and how to avoid common online scams
https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security
FINRA Investor Education Foundation
General resources to detect, prevent, and respond to financial fraud
https://www.finrafoundation.org/networks-we-strengthen/fighting-fraud
IC3.gov Public Service Announcements
On Pig Butchering:
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2023/PSA230314
On Cryptocurrency Recovery Scams:
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2023/PSA230811