Senior Scam Prevention & Fraud Resources in Michigan
I. Overview: Michigan’s Senior Population & Key Cities
Michigan has an estimated population of 10 million as of 2024, with over 1.8 million residents aged 65 and older, representing about 18% of the state’s population. As the state’s senior population grows, so do the risks of online fraud, particularly scams involving phishing, Medicare fraud, romance scams, and tech support impersonation.
The three largest cities in Michigan, each with substantial older adult populations and frequent scam reports, are:
- Detroit (approx. 630,000 people)
- Grand Rapids (approx. 200,000 people)
- Warren (approx. 135,000 people)
These cities are home to many older residents who are actively targeted by scammers using increasingly sophisticated digital methods. Quick access to trusted support resources can prevent financial loss and emotional harm.
II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted Michigan’s Seniors
In 2024, Michigan had 3,148 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $92,378,793.
Loss by Crime Type
| Crime Type | Loss Amount |
| Investment | $42,618,288 |
| Tech Support | $14,156,274 |
| Government Impersonation | $5,692,098 |
| Romance | $8,154,475 |
Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud & Financial Crimes
1. Detroit Police Department – Financial Crimes Unit
- Phone: (313) 267-4600 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.detroitmi.gov
- Tip: Request referral to the Economic Crimes or Fraud Unit for senior scams.
2. Grand Rapids Police Department – Fraud Investigations
- Phone: (616) 456-3400 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.grandrapidsmi.gov
- Ask for fraud reporting or elder exploitation support.
3. Warren Police Department – Criminal Investigations
- Phone: (586) 574-4700 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.cityofwarren.org
- Request connection to financial crimes or senior outreach services.
FBI & Federal Fraud Reporting
FBI Detroit Field Office
- Phone: (313) 965-2323
- Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/detroit
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Website: www.ic3.gov
- Use this platform to report phishing, identity theft, investment scams, and elder-targeted online fraud.
Michigan Attorney General – Elder Fraud & Consumer Protection
Michigan Department of Attorney General – Elder Abuse Task Force
- Elder Fraud Hotline: (800) 996-6228
- General Consumer Help: (877) 765-8388
- Website: www.michigan.gov/ag
- Offers complaint handling, scam tracking, and legal action against those targeting seniors.
Statewide Elder Services & Medicare Fraud Support
Michigan Adult Protective Services (APS)
- APS Hotline: (855) 444-3911 (24/7)
- Website: www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
- For reporting elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
Michigan Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
- Phone: (800) 803-7174
- Website: www.michigansmp.org
- Supports seniors in identifying and stopping Medicare fraud, overbilling, and deception.
Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency (AASA)
- Help Line: (517) 241-4100
- Website: www.michigan.gov/osa
- Connects older adults to Area Agencies on Aging, protective services, and elder law resources.
Take Control, Report Early
- Michigan seniors report tens of millions of dollars in scam losses each year, but reporting helps recover and prevent further abuse.
- Save these numbers and share them with friends, neighbors, and family members.
- Visit our Education Center to learn how to detect fraud before it happens.
- One phone call can stop a scam — act early, stay safe.
Share Your Story
Have you or a loved one experienced a scam, or stopped one just in time? Your story could help protect someone else.
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