Step-by-Step Guide: How to Report Scams in Pennsylvania
If you have been scammed, act quickly. This guide walks you through exactly what to do and who to contact in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Reporting: Your Primary Contacts
Pennsylvania has dedicated elder protection resources. Start here:
PA Attorney General – Elder Protection Unit
- Elder Abuse Hotline: (866) 623-2137
- Consumer Protection: (800) 441-2555
- Online: attorneygeneral.gov
- PA has a dedicated Elder Protection Unit – use them
PA Dept of Aging – Protective Services
- Statewide Helpline: (800) 490-8505
- Online: aging.pa.gov
Regional Pennsylvania Resources
Philadelphia Region:
- CARIE (Center for Advocacy): (215) 545-5728 – THE Philadelphia elder advocacy organization
- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: (215) 765-9040
- Philadelphia Police: (215) 686-8477
Pittsburgh Region:
- Allegheny County AAA: (412) 661-1438
- Pittsburgh Police: (412) 323-7800
Central PA (Harrisburg/Lancaster):
- Lancaster County AAA: (717) 299-7979
- Dauphin County AAA: (717) 780-6130
Northeast PA (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre):
- AAA of Lackawanna County: (570) 963-6740
- AAA of Luzerne/Wyoming Counties: (570) 822-1158
CARIE – Pennsylvania’s Elder Advocacy Leader
CARIE (Center for Advocacy for the Rights & Interests of the Elderly) is Pennsylvania’s leading elder advocacy organization based in Philadelphia:
- Phone: (215) 545-5728
- They help navigate the reporting process
- Provide support regardless of income
- Can accompany you to meetings with law enforcement
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 Pennsylvania Agencies
Pennsylvania Attorney General – Elder Protection Unit
- Elder Abuse Hotline: (866) 623-2137
- Consumer Hotline: (800) 441-2555
- Website: attorneygeneral.gov
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
- Helpline: (800) 490-8505
- Website: aging.pa.gov
Pennsylvania Senior Medicare Patrol
- Phone: (800) 356-3606
- Website: www.carie.org/smp
Step 4: Report to Local Police
Pennsylvania City Non-Emergency Numbers:
- Philadelphia: (215) 686-8477
- Pittsburgh: (412) 323-7800
- Allentown: (610) 437-7753
Get Emotional Support
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311
- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: (215) 765-9040
- PA 211: Dial 211
Pennsylvania Scam Reporting Checklist
- ☐ Secured my accounts
- ☐ Placed fraud alert (if SSN shared)
- ☐ Reported to FBI IC3
- ☐ Reported to FTC
- ☐ Reported to PA Attorney General
- ☐ Contacted PA Department of Aging (if applicable)
- ☐ Filed local police report
- ☐ Saved all confirmation numbers
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