Senior Scam Prevention and Fraud Resources in District of Columbia

I. Overview: Senior Population and Key Neighborhoods

As of 2024, the District of Columbia has a population of approximately 680,000, with around 88,000 residents aged 65 and older ,  making up about 13% of the total population. While D.C. has a younger median age overall, its senior population is steadily growing, especially in neighborhoods east of the river and in Northwest.

Seniors in D.C. face targeted scams ranging from Medicare fraud and government impersonation (IRS or Social Security) to utility scams, romance hoaxes, and phishing emails. The city’s digital divide and socio-economic disparities make some older residents especially vulnerable ,  particularly those with limited internet access or living alone.

The neighborhoods where scam activity is most frequently reported among older adults include:

  • Ward 3 (Upper Northwest – Tenleytown, Chevy Chase)
  • Ward 7 (East of the Anacostia River – Deanwood, Benning Ridge)
  • Ward 5 (Brookland, Fort Totten)

II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted D.C.’s Seniors

In 2024, District of Columbia had 267 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $251,454,544.

Loss by Crime Type

Crime TypeLoss Amount
Investment$776,156
Tech Support$245,293,375
Government Impersonation$1,161,895
Romance$445,149

III. Emergency and Official Contacts

 Local Law Enforcement – Elder Fraud and Financial Crimes

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) – Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit

  • Phone (non-emergency): (202) 727-9099
  • Main Website: mpdc.dc.gov
  • Direct unit link: https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/financial-and-cyber-crimes
  • Handles financial scams, identity theft, and crimes against seniors.

 FBI and Federal Reporting

FBI Washington Field Office

  • Phone: (202) 278-2000
  • Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/washingtondc

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • Website: www.ic3.gov
  • For reporting phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, and online threats.

 DC Attorney General – Consumer Protection

Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia – Consumer Protection

  • Consumer Hotline: (202) 442-9828
  • Website: oag.dc.gov
  • Assists with fraud complaints, elder financial abuse, and scam resolution support.

 Senior Services and Medicare Fraud Support

DC Adult Protective Services (APS)

  • 24/7 Hotline: (202) 541-3950
  • Website: dhs.dc.gov
  • Investigates abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults aged 18+.

DC Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – Led by Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE)

  • Helpline: (202) 434-2099
  • Website: aarp.org/lce
  • Educates and assists with Medicare fraud, billing scams, and medical identity theft.

DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)

  • Information Line: (202) 724-5626
  • Website: dacl.dc.gov
  • Offers caregiver support, legal services, elder rights advocacy, and financial safety education.

 Empower, Educate, and Report

  • Seniors in D.C. lose millions of dollars every year to avoidable scams.
  • Stay alert for warning signs like pressure to act quickly, requests for personal info, or unexpected messages from “officials.”
  • Visit our Education Center to learn how scams work, how to respond, and how to help others.
  • If something feels off, don’t respond ,  report it. You’re not alone. Help is available.
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