Senior Scam Prevention and Fraud Resources in Rhode Island

I. Overview: Rhode Island’s Senior Population and Key Cities

State of Rhode Island

As of 2024, Rhode Island has a population of approximately 1.1 million, with over 210,000 residents aged 65 and older ,  about 19.1% of the total population. With one of the oldest populations by percentage in the U.S., Rhode Island’s seniors are a frequent target of online and phone-based scams.

Scammers in Rhode Island often use Medicare fraud, tech support hoaxes, romance and lottery scams, and IRS/Social Security impersonation. Seniors in both urban and coastal areas are at risk, especially when they live alone or are unfamiliar with digital threats.

The three cities with the highest concentration of seniors and reported scam activity are:

  • Providence (approx. 190,000 people)
  • Cranston (approx. 82,000 people)
  • Warwick (approx. 83,000 people)

II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted Rhode Island’s Seniors

In 2024, Rhode Island had 324 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $6,309,411.

Loss by Crime Type

Crime TypeLoss Amount
Investment$1,620,381
Tech Support$1,560,334
Government Impersonation$92,020
Romance$1,166,538

III. Emergency and Official Contacts

 Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud and Financial Crimes

1. Providence Police Department – Financial Crimes Unit

  • Phone: (401) 272-3121 (non-emergency)
  • Website: providenceri.gov
  • Assists with fraud reporting, elder abuse, and scam investigations.

2. Cranston Police Department – Investigative Division

  • Phone: (401) 942-2211 (non-emergency)
  • Website: cranstonpoliceri.com
  • Handles reports of identity theft, financial exploitation, and elder scams.

3. Warwick Police Department – General Inquiries

  • Phone: (401) 468-4200 (non-emergency)
  • Website: warwickpd.org
  • Offers support for elder fraud, suspicious calls, and financial abuse.

 FBI and Federal Scam Reporting

FBI Boston Field Office (covers Rhode Island)

  • Phone: (857) 386-2000
  • Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • Website: www.ic3.gov
  • For reporting online scams, phishing, tech support fraud, and elder cybercrime.

 Rhode Island Attorney General – Elder Fraud and Consumer Protection

Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General – Consumer Protection Unit

  • Consumer Helpline: (401) 274-4400
  • Website: riag.ri.gov
  • Investigates elder abuse, phone scams, and deceptive business practices.

 Statewide Elder Services and Medicare Fraud Support

Rhode Island Adult Protective Services (APS)

  • APS Hotline: (401) 462-0555
  • Website: oha.ri.gov
  • Assists with cases of elder neglect, abuse, and financial exploitation.

Rhode Island Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

  • Phone: (888) 884-8721
  • Website: ripin.org/smp
  • Helps seniors recognize and report Medicare fraud, billing abuse, and medical ID theft.

Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA)

  • Info Line: (401) 462-3000
  • Website: oha.ri.gov
  • Offers elder rights support, scam awareness, legal aid referrals, and caregiver resources.

 Stay Safe. Stay Connected. Report Quickly.

  • Rhode Island seniors lose millions each year to scams ,  but early action can stop further harm.
  • Save these contacts, stay informed, and check in regularly with family and neighbors.
  • Visit our Education Center for scam prevention tools, sample scripts, and reporting guides.
  • Never feel pressured to act fast. Pause, verify, and report. Help is available.
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