Volunteer answer sheet

For whoever staffs the table after a talk. These are the questions people actually ask, with short answers ready.

General rule: it's fine to say "I don't know, but here's who does." The two helplines are always a good answer.

• National Elder Fraud Hotline — 833-372-8311 (weekdays, 10–6 Eastern)
• AARP Fraud Watch Helpline — 877-908-3360 (weekdays, 8–8 Eastern, free for anyone)

"How do I know if it's really my bank calling?"

You don't, and you don't have to. Hang up and call the number on your card. If it was really them, you'll reach them.

"Caller ID said it was them."

Caller ID can be faked for a few dollars by anybody. It's like the return address on an envelope — written by whoever sent it.

"But they knew my address and the last four of my card."

All of that is bought and sold legally. It proves nothing about who's calling.

"Is it rude to hang up?"

No. Hanging up is a complete answer, and a real employee expects it. Anyone who gets angry about it has told you what you needed to know.

"My computer says I have a virus and gives a number."

Your computer is fine. Microsoft and Apple never put phone numbers in error messages. Close the browser, or hold the power button. Don't call.

"I already let someone into my computer."

Unplug it from the internet. Change your email password from a different device first, then your banking. Call your bank. Get it looked at by someone you chose. There's a page with the full list.

"Should I get a new Social Security number?"

Almost certainly not. Freeze your credit at all three bureaus instead — it's free, reversible, and does more good.

"Does freezing my credit hurt my credit score?"

No. It doesn't affect your score or your existing cards. It just stops new accounts from being opened. You can lift it in minutes when you need to.

"What if I already sent money?"

Call your bank right now on the number on your card, and say "I'm reporting fraud and I need to recall a payment." Speed matters more than anything else. Then report at ic3.gov.

"Is it too late to report something from last year?"

No. Money probably won't come back, but reports build cases and put you on the list if there's ever a restitution payment.

"Can I get my money back?"

Sometimes — depends on how you paid and how fast you act. Credit card, good. Wire, only within hours. Gift cards, occasionally. Crypto, rarely.

"Someone called offering to recover money I lost."

That's a second scam, and often the same people. No agency ever charges a fee to return your money.

"My daughter thinks I should let her handle my accounts."

That's a family conversation, not a scam question. What often works well is a "trusted contact" at your bank — someone they can call if they see something odd. It gives them no control over your money. Ask your branch for it by name.

"What about my mother, who won't listen to me?"

Ask for her help instead of offering yours. "Mom, I almost got taken by a text last week — have you been getting these?" It works far better than a warning.

"Is [specific company] legitimate?"

Don't guess. Have them look it up themselves later, or call the AARP helpline. Never confirm a company you don't personally know.

"Somebody's already talked to me about an investment."

Every legitimate investment professional in the country is searchable at brokercheck.finra.org or adviserinfo.sec.gov. If they're not there, they can't legally sell you an investment.

If someone tells you they've been scammed

1. "I'm glad you told me." First. Before anything else.
2. Don't ask how much, and don't ask how it happened, unless they offer.
3. Offer to sit with them while they call their bank on their own card number.
4. Offer the hotline: 833-372-8311.
5. Ask if they'd like family told. Respect the answer.
6. Warn them, gently, that someone will call in the coming weeks about recovering the money — and that it will be a second scam.

Never say: "You should have..." / "Didn't you notice..." / "That's an old one." Someone telling you is the hard part. Don't make them regret it.