An Overview of Consumer Protection Laws Every Senior Should Know

A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself

Knowing the laws is the first step. The next is putting that knowledge into practice to build a strong defense against fraud, scams, and unfair business practices. This section provides actionable strategies to help you recognize threats and respond effectively.

Recognizing Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Scammers are creative and constantly evolving their tactics, but many of the most common schemes rely on similar psychological triggers: fear, urgency, hope, and loneliness. Being able to spot the underlying pattern is key to protecting yourself.

• The Grandparent Scam: You get a frantic phone call from someone pretending to be your grandchild. They claim to be in trouble—often arrested, in a car accident, or stuck in a foreign country—and beg you to wire money immediately while keeping it a secret. Red Flag: Any request for secrecy and payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency is a major warning sign.
• Tech Support Scams: A pop-up message appears on your computer screen with an alarming warning about a virus, often with a loud noise or flashing lights. It instructs you to call a toll-free number for “technical support.” The scammer on the phone will then try to gain remote access to your computer and charge you hundreds of dollars for fake repairs or useless software. Red Flag: Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Apple will never use scare tactics in a pop-up and ask you to call them.
• Government Impersonator Scams: Someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They may say you owe back taxes, that your Social Security number has been compromised, or that you need a new Medicare card. They threaten you with arrest, deportation, or suspension of benefits if you don’t pay them immediately. Red Flag: Government agencies almost always initiate contact by mail, not by phone calls or emails demanding immediate payment or personal information. For information on Social Security, visit the Social Security Administration. For tax-related topics, refer to the IRS.
• Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams: You receive a call, letter, or email informing you that you’ve won a large sum of money or a luxury prize. The catch is that you must first pay a fee for “taxes,” “shipping,” or “processing” before you can receive your winnings. Red Flag: A legitimate lottery or sweepstakes will never ask you to pay a fee to collect a prize.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud or Unfair Practices

If a situation feels wrong, it probably is. Trust your instincts and follow a clear, calm process to protect yourself.

1. Stop and Disengage: Do not be rushed. If you are on the phone, hang up. If you are communicating by email, do not reply. If you are on a website that seems suspicious, close the browser window. Scammers create a false sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly.
2. Document Everything: Write down as much as you can remember. This includes the date and time of contact, the name of the person and company (if given), the phone number they called from, and a summary of what they said or promised. Keep any related emails, letters, or receipts. This documentation is vital for filing a complaint.
3. Contact the Company Directly (for legitimate businesses): If your issue is with a known business, try to resolve it with them first. Start with customer service. If that doesn’t work, send a formal complaint letter to the company’s headquarters. A written letter creates a paper trail and often gets more attention.

How to File an Official Complaint

When direct resolution fails or you’ve been targeted by a scam, filing an official complaint is the next step. Your report not only helps you but also contributes to a larger database that helps law enforcement track and stop fraudulent operations.

Federal Agencies:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is the primary agency for collecting reports on scams, identity theft, and deceptive business practices. You can file a complaint online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The process is quick and straightforward.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): If your complaint involves a financial product or service—such as a credit card, bank account, mortgage, or debt collector—the CFPB is the right place to go. They will forward your complaint to the company and work to get a response for you. You can file a complaint at their website: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

State and Local Agencies:

• Your State Attorney General: Every state has an Attorney General’s office with a consumer protection division. They handle complaints about local businesses and enforce state-level consumer laws. A quick online search for “[Your State] Attorney General consumer complaint” will lead you to the right place.

Non-Governmental Organizations:

One common question is how to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Its goal is to foster an ethical marketplace by helping to resolve disputes between consumers and businesses.

To file a complaint with the BBB:

1. Go to the BBB website (BBB.org).
2. Search for the business you have a dispute with.
3. Once you find the business profile, look for an option to “File a Complaint.”
4. You will be guided through a form where you describe the issue and the resolution you are seeking.
5. The BBB will then forward your complaint to the business and ask for a response, acting as a mediator. While the BBB cannot force a company to act, many businesses will work to resolve the issue to maintain a good rating.