Step-by-Step Guide: How to Report Scams in Texas
If you have been scammed, act quickly. Texas has strong elder protection resources. This guide walks you through exactly what to do and who to contact.
Related: Every Hour, Another Texas Senior Loses $50,000 to Scammers
Texas Reporting: Your Primary Contacts
Texas Attorney General – Elder Exploitation Unit
- Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 621-0508
- Website: texasattorneygeneral.gov/elder-abuse
- Texas has a dedicated Elder Exploitation Division
Texas Adult Protective Services (24/7)
- Hotline: (800) 252-5400
- Website: dfps.texas.gov
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Before You Report: Gather Your Information
- Date(s) the scam occurred
- Name or company name the scammer used
- Phone numbers, emails, or websites they used
- How much money was lost
- How you paid (wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency)
- Screenshots of any messages
Step 1: Secure Your Accounts (Do This First)
If You Shared Bank Information
- Call your bank immediately
- Request a freeze on your accounts
- Ask for new account numbers and cards
If You Shared Your Social Security Number
- Place a fraud alert: Equifax 1-800-525-6285
- Consider a credit freeze
- Get free credit reports at annualcreditreport.com
Step 2: Report to Federal Agencies
FBI IC3: ic3.gov
FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Step 3: Report to Texas Agencies
In addition to the AG and APS contacts above:
Texas State Securities Board (Investment Fraud)
- Phone: (512) 305-8300
- Website: ssb.texas.gov
Texas Senior Medicare Patrol
- Phone: (888) 341-6187
- For Medicare/healthcare fraud
Regional Texas Resources by Metro Area
Houston Metro (Harris County):
- Harris County Protective Services: (713) 394-4000
- Houston Area AAA: (832) 393-4301
- Houston Police Financial Crimes: (713) 884-3131
Dallas-Fort Worth:
- Dallas County DA Elder Abuse: (214) 653-3600
- Dallas Area AAA: (214) 871-5065
- Dallas Police Economic Crimes: (214) 671-3001
San Antonio (Bexar County):
- Alamo Area AAA: (210) 477-3275
- San Antonio Police Financial Crimes: (210) 207-7273
Austin:
- Capital Area AAA: (512) 916-6062
- Austin Police: (512) 974-5000
Rio Grande Valley/Border Region:
- Area Agency on Aging of the Rio Grande Valley: (956) 682-3481
- Spanish-language assistance available
Get Emotional Support
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311
- Texas 211: Dial 211 for counseling referrals
- Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation: (800) 983-9933
Texas Scam Reporting Checklist
- ☐ Secured my accounts
- ☐ Placed fraud alert (if SSN shared)
- ☐ Reported to FBI IC3
- ☐ Reported to FTC
- ☐ Reported to Texas Attorney General
- ☐ Contacted Texas APS (if applicable)
- ☐ Filed local police report
- ☐ Saved all confirmation numbers
Ayuda en Español (Help in Spanish)
All Texas state agencies listed above offer Spanish-language assistance. When you call, request “ayuda en español” and you will be connected with a Spanish-speaking representative.
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