What are the operating hours for the National Elder Fraud Hotline?

✓ Accepted answer

The National Elder Fraud Hotline in the United States is operated by the Department of Justice and is available Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with calls being forwarded to partner organizations in the local area.

1. Direct Phone Access

• You can reach the National Elder Fraud Hotline by dialing 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). The line is toll-free, so there is no cost to place a call from within the U.S.
• Callers are greeted by a recorded message that directs them to local Elder Financial Abuse Response Services based on their location, ensuring you receive region-specific assistance.

2. Alternative Reporting Channels

• If the phone lines are busy or you prefer not to speak by phone, you can report incidents online through the FTC’s ReportFraud Initiative or the Elder Justice Initiative website.
• For immediate help with threats or active scams, contacting the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is recommended, as they operate on a 24/7 basis for cyber-related fraud.

3. Verification and Safety Warnings

• Be aware that scammers sometimes impersonate the National Elder Fraud Hotline to pressure victims into paying fees or providing personal information. Never share Social Security numbers, bank details, or money with anyone who contacts you unsolicited.
• Always verify the identity of any agent by hanging up and calling the official number back to ensure the request is legitimate.

admin · 2026-10-14 13:06:53