Scam artists across the country and around the world are attempting to defraud Nebraskans every day. This is especially true within our state’s senior population.

Many senior and vulnerable Nebraskans are faced with the challenges of protecting themselves and their loved ones from the threat of fraud, abuse and financial exploitation.  To provide protection for vulnerable and older adults, the Older Americans Act and the Adult Protective Services state statutes were established. As a project of the Elder Rights Coalition, the production of a 30-minute television program on NET has been completed and is airing now on NET World. Several Coalition members served on a workgroup to help plan this program.  “Protecting Senior and Vulnerable Nebraskans from Fraud, Abuse and Exploitation” features a panel of experts, several of whom are on this Coalition, covering four segments:  Frauds and Scams, Investigations, Diminished Capacity, and Powers of Attorney/Agent Responsibilities. Visit http://netnebraska.org to view the video and learn how to keep yourself or your loved ones safe from fraud and abuse.

Nationally, one out of every four fraud complaints is submitted by a senior (age 60+). But seniors are the least likely to report exploitation and abuse. Estimates suggest less than 15% of elder abuse cases ever come to the attention of authorities. Our seniors are under attack and suffering because of it.

Sites like the Nebraska Attorney General, the Nebraska Better Business Bureau, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have information on the latest scams, tools to guard yourself or a loved one against fraud, and information on how to file a complaint if you or someone you know is a target of fraud. Education is the best weapon we have in waging the fight.

Scam artists across the country and around the world attempt to defraud Nebraskans, and especially seniors, every day. Elder fraud and abuse is more than a frustration and nuisance. It is a real threat that is impacting not only quality but also length of life. For the sake of families and our collective future, we must fight back. Education is the best weapon we have in this battle. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Visit the Nebraska Attorney General’s website to find out more information on some of the most common scams, and to see tips to help you from becoming a victim of fraud, phone numbers to call for additional assistance, and websites that offer further information.

Click here to view the Preventing Senior Fraud brochure. This brochure was created to help prevent the victimization of Nebraska seniors by arming them with tools to guard against consumer fraud.

BBB helps people find and recommend businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. People today are overwhelmed with choices – and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 30 million businesses in North America alone; and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. There are thousands of free and subscription websites that offer a range of information, including reviews, reports, directories, listings, and gripe sites. BBB is the one place you can find it all.

For over 100 years, BBB has helped people make smarter decisions and is evolving to meet fast changing marketplace needs.

Visit the Nebraska Better Business Bureau's website for more information, to find accredited businesses, and for tips on scam prevention.

We are the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

We aim to make consumer financial markets work for consumers, responsible providers, and the economy as a whole. We protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and take action against companies that break the law. We arm people with the information, steps, and tools that they need to make smart financial decisions.

Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website for more information or to file a complaint.