How to Report Scams in New York
New York seniors reported $257.7 million in scam losses in 2024. Reporting helps protect yourself and prevents others from becoming victims. New York has extensive resources at city, state, and federal levels.
New York’s Primary Scam Reporting Resources
NY Attorney General – Elder Abuse Bureau
New York has a dedicated Elder Abuse Bureau in the Attorney General’s office:
- Elder Hotline: (800) 771-7755
- Online: ag.ny.gov/elder-abuse
- Investigates elder fraud and identity theft
- Coordinates with local law enforcement
- Multi-language assistance available
NY State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA)
- Helpline: (800) 342-9871
- Online: aging.ny.gov
- Connects to local programs and APS
- Fraud protection resources
NYC-Specific Reporting Resources
NYC 311:
- Phone: Dial 311 (or 212-639-9675 from outside NYC)
- Central reporting for all city services
- Will route you to appropriate agency
- Multi-language support available
NYC Department for the Aging:
- Phone: (212) 244-6469
- Online: nyc.gov/aging
- Elder abuse and fraud services
- Victim support and referrals
NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force:
- Phone: (646) 610-5000 (non-emergency)
- Request Financial Crimes or Special Victims Division
- For elder financial fraud reporting
Regional New York Resources
Long Island:
- Nassau County Office for the Aging: (516) 227-8900
- Suffolk County Office for the Aging: (631) 853-8200
Westchester/Hudson Valley:
- Westchester Department of Senior Programs: (914) 813-6300
- Rockland County Office for the Aging: (845) 364-2110
Buffalo/Western NY:
- Erie County Dept of Senior Services: (716) 858-8526
- Buffalo Police Fraud Unit: (716) 851-4444
Rochester/Finger Lakes:
- Monroe County Office for the Aging: (585) 753-6280
- Rochester Police: (585) 428-6720
Albany/Capital Region:
- Albany County Dept for Aging: (518) 447-7177
Federal Reporting Resources
- FBI New York: (212) 384-1000
- Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- FTC Report Fraud: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Social Security OIG: (800) 269-0271
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311
Adult Protective Services (APS) – County by County
APS is administered through local county Departments of Social Services:
- NYC: Call 311 or (212) 630-1853
- Other counties: Contact your local DSS or call NY 211
- General info: ocfs.ny.gov/main/psa
Before You Report: Gather This Information
- Dates and times of contact
- Phone numbers, email addresses, or websites used
- Names or company names given (even if fake)
- Description of what happened
- How much money was lost and payment method
- Any documents, emails, or text messages received
- Bank or credit card statements showing transactions
Multi-Language Assistance
New York offers reporting assistance in multiple languages:
- NYC 311: 175+ languages available
- NY AG Hotline: Interpreters available – (800) 771-7755
- NYSOFA: Multi-language support – (800) 342-9871
- Asian American community: Many county offices have Mandarin/Cantonese staff
What Happens After You Report
- Your report is documented and may be investigated
- Patterns from multiple reports help identify active scammers
- Law enforcement may contact you for additional information
- Your report may contribute to legal action or public warnings
- Even if money can’t be recovered, your report protects others