Additional resources for older Americans and their families

Avoiding scams

To stop getting telemarketing calls you don’t want, register for the National Do Not Call Registry. Register for free, online at www.donotcall.gov/ or by phone at 1(888)-382-1222. For teletype, call 1(866)-290-4236. Call from the number you want to register.

For how to spot and avoid telemarketing scams, visit the FTC’s website, the FBI’s Be Crime Smart website, or the U.S. Postal Service’s Inspectors’ website.

For information on protecting yourself and your information online, visit www.onlineonguard.gov/.

Elder financial abuse

If you suspect someone is being targeted or has been a victim of financial abuse, visit the Elder Care Locator online to find resources in your state, or call the hotline at 1(800)-677-1116.

To find out more about Elder Financial Abuse and how to prevent it, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse.

Housing

If you are having trouble with your mortgage, first talk to your lender to see if you can work something out. If you are still having trouble, collect your financial materials and call our hotline at 1(855)411-CFPB.

Find out what a reverse mortgage is and how to reach a reverse mortgage housing counselor from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Long-term care

Longtermcare.gov provides help with understanding long-term care options and costs.

Protecting your investments

Federal and state securities regulators oversee investment companies and products. For information about how to protect your savings from investment fraud, go to the Securities Exchange Commission’s www.investor.gov or call 800-732-0330, or visit the state regulators’ investment website or call 202-737-0900.

FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, provides investor educational materials and tools. You can also check to see if someone who is selling investments is a registered broker, www.finra.org/brokercheck or call 800-289-9999.

Retirement

Looking for information about retirement?

• Try these government resources
• Find out about your Social Security Administration retirement benefits
• The National Education and Resource Center on Women and Retirement Planning, a project of Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER), provides information about women and retirement
• For free, personalized pension counseling and assistance, find a Pension Counseling Information Project (PDF) that may serve your state or go to pensionhelp.net

Support on financial decision-making and legal issues

The National Legal Resource Center has information on topics to help protect the financial well-being of older Americans including:

• Financial Security
• Guardianship
• Capacity
• Locating a legal provider or Senior Legal Helpline in your state that may be able to assist you on a wide range of public benefits and housing issues

End of life issues

Coping with the loss of a loved one or planning for end of life issues can be complicated and overwhelming. These resources may help.

Taking care of loved ones

• For grandparents raising grandchildren
• For those caring for or looking for help caring for aging relatives