Protect Yourself From Scams With These Helpful Resources

AARP wants you to have the information you need to protect yourself from scams. The resources and organizations below provide various services ranging from education and information to enforcement and mitigation. Check out their websites below for more information!

AARP Fraud Watch Network
AARP is a non-profit non-partisan organization that offers a free fraud prevention program called the Fraud Watch Network. Visit our website for guides on common scams, articles about trending fraud stories, and more. Contact our state office to schedule a presentation in your community!

Website: aarp.org.fraudwatchnetwork
Wisconsin State office Email: wistate@aarp.org
Wisconsin State office Phone: 866-448-3611
Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
Fraud Watch Network Support groups: aarp.org/support

Adult Protective Services
Adult protective services help elder adults and adults at risk who have been abused, neglected, or financially exploited.

If you suspect an elder adult or adult at risk has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation, your first step should be to contact the appropriate agency.

Website
Phone: 608-261-9933

Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Milwaukee County
ADRCs offer many services, including:

• Information and Assistance: Accurate and timely information regarding community resources for older adults.
• Options Counseling: One-on-one consultation about privately and publicly funded long-term care options to allow each individual to make the best-informed decisions for his or her needs.
• Benefits Specialists: Information about public and private benefits including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security among others.
• and more!

Website
Phone: 414-289-6874
Email: ADRC@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Bank On Greater Milwaukee
Bank On Greater Milwaukee works to connect everyone to safe and affordable financial products and services.

Members represent community-based organizations, financial institutions and local government agencies that provide services and resources such as financial education, credit counseling, savings programs, banking series, credit repair, employment assistance, youth engagement and other financial empowerment programming.

Website
Phone: (414) 562-9904
Email: bankonmke@udeawi.org

WI Dept. of Agriculture Trade & Consumer Protection
The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is Wisconsin's primary consumer protection agency. Visit their website to learn more about fraud and file a report if you suspect a scam. You can also contact DATCP to schedule free community presentations.

Website
Helpline: (800) 422-7128
Email: DATCPHotline​​@wi.gov​
Learn more about DATCP's presentations.

WI Dept. of Financial Institutions (DFI)
DFI is dedicated to protecting the safety and soundness of Wisconsin’s financial institutions, safeguarding the investing public, facilitating commerce, and increasing financial capability throughout the state. Contact DFI to learn more about financial matters and to file a complaint.

Website
Phone: (608) 261-9555
File a complaint here.

Elder Abuse Hotline
The Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline Program is a toll-free hotline available for community members and victims to contact for assistance in obtaining needed resources and making referrals to local authorities.

Website
Phone: 1-833-586-0107

Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
The FBI investigates crimes and provides important information about scams and fraud so you can protect yourself. Cyber crimes can be reported to the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Website
IC3: ic3.gov

Legal Action of MKE
Legal Action of Wisconsin’s mission is to deliver exceptional civil legal services and structural change advocacy, free of cost, to those most in need. Learn more about the breadth of services offered by visiting their website.

Website: legalaction.org
Phone: (855) 947-2529.

Milwaukee Police Department
If you suspect a fraud or scam, your local police officers may be able to assist you.
Find contact information for your Milwaukee Police Department Districts here.

Senior Medicare Patrol
The Senior Medicare Patrol helps Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries and their advocates prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, abuse, and errors.

Website: smpwi.org
Helpline: (888) 818-2611
Email: smp-wi@gwaar.org